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MATERIALS 


TOWARDS 


A    HISTORY     OF     THE     I  IN     BAPTISTS, 


IN     XII     VOLU 


By   Morgas    Edwards,    a.  m. 

Fellow  of  Rhodeifland  college,  and  o  v 
of  the  Baptift  church  in  Philadelphia. 


Lc  !  a  people  that  dyiell  alone,  an  t  be  ftC 

;  *tg  the  nations .   humb.   x  x  i  i  i ,  o . 


LALELPHIA t 
BY   JOSEPH   CKUKSKANK, 
(C   CCLI  .XX. 


MATERIALS 


TOWARDS     A     HISTORY     OF    THE 


BAPTISTS      IN      PENNSYLVANIA      EOTH      BRI- 
TISH   AND     GERMAN,    DISTINGUISHED     INTO 

f- 
FIRSTDAY    BAPTISTS 

KEITHIAN  BAPTITS 
SEVENTH DAY    BAPTISTS 

TUNCKER  BAPTISTS 
MENNONIST   BAPTISTS, 


V  O  L.       I. 


Lot  a  people  that  dwell  alone,  and  ft:  all  not  fe 
honed  among  the  nations,   numb,  xxiii,  9 , 


PHILADELPHIA  : 

PRINTED       BY        JOSEPH       GRUKSHANK,       AND 

ISAAO    COLLINS;     MTCCLXX. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 

The  following  materials  have  been  coll  eel  ed  partly 
from  knowledge,  partly  from  church  books,  and  partly 
from  informations  ;  colleclions  fro?n  the  two  former 
?nay  be  exacl ;  but  thofe  from  the  other  may  ?20t  befo, 
hecaufe  old  memories  are  unfafe  records.  If  any 
fliould  dif cover  errors  and  givs  notice  thereof  to  the 
editor,  he,  will  take  the  firft  opportunity  to  reclify 
them  and  be  much  obliged  to  the  informers. 

Morgan  Edwards. 


s* 


Advertifement. 


THK  compiler  of  the  enfuing  little  volume  and 
of  eleven  more  on  the  fame  iubjecf.  would, 
no  doubt,  have  kept  his  volumes  to  himieit 
bad  not  the  motives  which  induced  him  to  compile  in- 
duced him  alio  to  publifh.  The  motive  to  the  firft 
was,  a  defire  to  know  the  american  Baptiiis  j  the  mo- 
tive to  the  other  was,  an  equal  defire  to  make  them 
known  one  to  another  5  and  the  grand  motive  to  both 
16,  a  folicitude  to  unite  them  together  and  to  fettle 
fome  ufeful  means  of  intercourfe  and  familiarity  be- 
tween their  churches,  whereof  there  are  on  this  con- 
tinent about  300  including  the  german  Baptifts. 

By  the  faid  union  is  meant,  an  union  of  individuals 
into  churches  fo  that  no  baptized  believers  abide  loolc 
and  fcattered  (like  the  (tones  of  the  fanttuary  in  the 
book  of  Lamentation)  as  is  now  the  cafe  in  fome 
places  j  alfo,  an  union  of  thofe  churches  (ami  of  o- 
ther  churches  which  have  hitherto  ftood  by  thernielvcs) 
into  affociations  in  proper  vicinities,  which  arTbcia- 
tions  may  be  multiplied  fo  as  to  have  one  in  every 
province  $  and  Hkcwife,  an  union  of  thofe  afTociaticns 
(like  that  of  Ketokton  and  Warren)  to  the  afTociation 
of  Philadelphia,  which,  from  its  fituation,  mure  ever 

be  central   to  the  whole By  the  forementioned 

means  of  intercom/fe  are  to  be  underftood,  letters  and 
inefiengers  from  the  churches  to  their  refpe&ive  ailbci- 
ntiens,  and  from  thofe  aflbciations  to  their  common 
center  ;  and  from  the  center  back  to  the  aikrjiiition:,, 
and  thence  to  the  churches,  and  Co  to  individuals. 
Theft  means  will  not  only  be  ufeful  for  receiving  cm! 
returning  intelligence,  mutual  advice,  help  &c  b^ity 
alfo  for  "  knitting  together11  the  feveral  parts  of  th* 


(    8    ) 

kXfihlt  baptift  church  on  this  continent,  as  the  papts 
of  the  natural  body  are  by  "  joints  and  bands.  Gal., 
ii.  19.  This  project  is  not  a  new  one,,  but  was  be- 
gun in  the  year  176 5  when  the  churches  to  the  weft  of 
Philadelphia  formed  themfelves  into  an  affbciation  at 
Ketokton  in  Virginia  5  and  was  furthered  in  1767 
when  the  churches  to  the  eaft  of  Philadelphia  did  the 
fame  at  Warren  in  Rhodeifland  government,  both  a- 
dopting  the  philadelphian  plan  and  engaging  to  ufe 
the  means  of  union  and  intercourie  before  defcribed. 
The  thing  is  practicable,  as  appears  by  five  years  tri- 
al}, and  withal,  moft  beneficial,  as  might  be  proved 
by  variety  of  examples.  What  remains  is  only  to 
perfect  what  has  been  begun.  In  order  to  which  the 
following  things  have  been  judged  requifite 

fc  That  the  aflbciatian  of  Philadelphia  be  embodied 
by  charter  5  and  that  one  perfon  from  every  provin- 
cial aiTociation  be  made  a  member  of  that  enchartered 
body 

a  That  am  able  preacher  be.  appointed  to  vifit  all 
the  churches  in  the  character  and  office  of  an  EvANr 
c eli ST  j.  and  a  fufncient  fund  raifed  to  defray  his 
expences.  Such  a  fund  was  let  on  foot  in  Philadel* 
phia  in  1766,  and  is,  increaiing  every  year 

3,  That  the  nature  of  aflbciations  among  the  Bap- 
tifts  be  made  public.  Something  of  the  kind  was  at- 
tempted in  1769  under  the  title  of  The  senti- 
ments and,  plan  of  the  Warren  associ- 
ation j  wherein  it  is  mown  that  they  are  only  ADr- 
VISOR Y  councils,  difclaiming  all  jurifdiclion 
and  power  and  every  thing  elfe  which  may  clafh  with 
the  rights  of  particular  churches  or  thofe  of  private 
judgment ;  and  herein  they  differ  from  all  aflemblies 
of  the  kind  known  by  the  fame  or  other  names 

4.  That  all  the  baptift  churches  from  Nova  Scotia 
to  Georgia  be  made  fuiflciently  known  one  to  another  5 
for  it  hath  been  found  by  experience  that  a  want  of 


(    Si     ) 

this  kind  of  knowledge  hath  much  retarded  the  }iro-- 
pofed  deiign.  To  remedy  which  (as  hinted  before) 
is  the  end  of  publishing  the  following  little  volume  \ 
And  it  is  prefiimed  the  publication  will  be  found  a- 
dequate  to  the  deiign  ;  and  will  alfo  prefer ve  fome  a- 
■ecdotes,  chronologies  and  facts  which  otherwife  would, 
have  perifhed  with  the  loofe  papers  from  which  many 
were  taken,  or  with  the  death  of  ancient  people  who 
communicated  others  from  memory.  The  publifher 
well  knows  that  the  work  wants  all  the  apologies  he 
can  make  both  for  it,  and  the  price.  As  to  the  laft  he 
only  takes  leave  to  obferve  that  he  has  not  rtmck  oft" 
many  copies,  but  juft  enow  to  furnifh  every  baptiil 
church  with  few.  Had  he  intended  to  fell  to  every 
one  that  would  buy  he  would  have  enlarged  the  edi- 
tion and  fo  have  reduced  the  price.  If  the  books 
mould  not  be  valuable  they  will  be  fcarce.  As  to  a- 
pologie*  for  the  work  itfelf  he  will  not  attempt  any, 
being  firmly  of  opinion  that  if  he  mould  lefe  any  re- 
putation by  it  he  cannot  lofe  it  in  a  better  way  than 
in  endeavouring  to  promote  the  baptift.  inteiett  ;  which,, 
in  his  judgment,  is  the  intereft  of  chrirt  above  anv  in 
chriitendom.  Whoever  finds  fault  with  the  perfor- 
mance will  thereby  intimate  that  he  is  able  to  fupply 
its  defects  and  correct  its  errors  ;  and  if  he  will  do 
both  or  either  the  author  would  be  well  pleafed  mould 
every  reader  be  a  fault-finder. 

5  Laflly,  that  the  terms  of  the  propofed  union 
mould  be  fo  general  as  not  to  preclude  anv  baptiil 
church  of  fair  character,  though  differing  from  others 
in  uncfTential  points  of  faith  or  order.  Practicing  be- 
lieverVbaptifm  is  our  denominating  article.  If  this 
betaken  away  we  mall  differ  from  the  Independents  in 
no  point  whatfoever.  And  the  cue  thiifrg  which 
diilinguimes  us  fiom  every  feet  of  chrittians,  and 
made,  and  keeps  us  a  feparate  and  diflii  Q:  body  of 
people  is,  one  would  think:,  a  fufficient  ground  of  u- 
nion  among  ourfeives,  excepting  only  where  this 
tt  truth  is  held  in  unrighteoufnefs,v 


.    *  (  "  ) 

I  fear  tills  volume  will  be  deemed  a  heap  of  dry  re* 
cords  without  a  fuffieient  number  of  anecdotes  to  give 
them  a  relifh  j  this  is  owing  to  the  peace  and  liberty 
which  the  Baptifts  have  ever  enjoyed  in  Pennfylvania^ 
In  other  provinces  they  have  had  their  troubles  which? 
will  make  their  hiftory  intsrefting  to  every  reader* 


N.  B.  The  ftcond  fori  of  this  v&* 
fame  will  be  delivered  to  the  purchafers 
$f  the  firft  fart  as  foon  as  poffble^  they 
fending  their  names  and  places  of  abode 
to  the  publifher.  The  price  the  fame 
with  the  price  of  the  firft  fart  viz 
quarter  of  dollar 


MAT 

'"""^    ■ 

Twys&&.nX9 
HE  Baptifts  in  Pennfylvania  may  be 
diftinguifhed  into  British  and  Ger- 
man ;  the  Britifh  again  into  firstday  bap  j 
tists  and  seventhday  baptists  ;  and  the 
German  into  tunckers  and  mennonists; 
with  which  muft  be  mentioned  the  keithian 
baptists,  though  now  extindr,  becaufe  the 
fabbatarians  originated  from  them. 


PART      I. 

Treats  of  the  Britifh  Baptifts  in  Penn- 
Jyhania,  who  obferve  the  frji  day  of 
ihe  week  for  fab  bath. 

The  faith  and  order  of  thefe  people  may 
be  feen  in  the  confeflion,  catechifm  and  treatife 
of  difcipline  which  they  adopted  in  their  af- 
fociation  held  at  Philadelphia  in  the  year  1742* 
The  confeffion  (with  addition  only  of  article 
xxiii  and  xxxi)  is  that  publHhed  in  London  in 
1689  by  a  hundred  congregations,  and  there- 
fore called  the  Century  confefjion.  The  cate- 
chifm is  that  which  bears  the  name  of  Benja- 
min Keach,  publifhed  in  London  in  1699. 
The  treatife  of  difcipline  is,  in  effect,  the  fame 
with  that  publifhed  in  London  in  1697  and 
ftyled,  *  The  glory  of  a  true  church,  and  its 
<  difcipHne  difplay'd.'     By  thefe  books  it  ap 


i  *  ) 

pears  that  they  are  Independents  with  reference 
to  church  government,  and  Calvinijls  with  re- 
fpe&to  do&rines  ;  and  thefe  laft,  I  may  add, 
£o  univerfally  that  the  diftin&ions  of  general  and 
particular  Baptifts  have  no  place  among  them. 
Of  thefe  there  are  ten  churches  which  we  ftiall 
treat  according  to  feniority,  and  therefore  be- 
gin with 

PENNEP  E  K, 

This  is  the  firft  church  in  the  province  of 
any  note  and  permanency  ;  for  that  gathered 
at  Coldfpring  in  1684  broke  up  in  1702.  It  is 
diftinguifhed  from  its  filler  churches  by  the  a- 
foove  name  of  Pennepek  (formerly  written  Pern- 
mepeka)  which  is  the  name  of  a  little  river 
running  near  the  place  of  worfhip.  The  houfe 
is  a  neat  ftone  building,  33  feet  by  30,  with 
pews,  galleries  and  a  ftove.  In  one  corner  of 
it  ftands  the  pulpit,  and  the  galleries  in  the  op-  ' 
pofite  angles  which  is  worth  noticing,  becaufe 
tereby  are  remedied  the  ufual  inconveniences 
attending  galleries  in  fmall  places  of  worfhip. 
The  houfe  was  ere&ed  in  1707  on  a  lot  of  one 
acre,  the  gift  of  Rev.  Samuel  Jones,  in  the 
townfhip  of  Lowerdublin,  county  of  Philadel- 
phia, eleven  miles  neIin  from  the  city.  To 
iaid  lot  have  been  added  three  acres  ;  one  by 
the  gift  of  Mr.  George  Eaton,  the  other  by 
purchas  of  the  church,  whereon  are  conveni- 
ent flables,  and  a  fine  grove  affording  fhade  in 
fummer  and  fire  wood  in  winter.  Befides  the 
above  mentioned  acres  there  are  other  legacies 
beftowed  on  this  church  ( 1 )  Hundred  pounds 
$Iie  gift  of  Peter  Duflield  (2)  Five  pounds  thz 


(     7     ) 

gift  of  Mr.  George  Eaton  (3)  Twenty  fire 
pounds  the  gift  of  fundry  perfons.  With  thefe 
helps  the  living  is  reputed  worth  50  1.  a  year 
to  the  prefent  miniiter,  Rev.  Samuel  Jones. 
The  families  belonging  to  the  place  are  about 
45  whereof  50  perfons  are  baptized  and  in  the 
communion  of  the  church.  Their  names  * 
are  below.  This  was  their  ftate  in  177c.  A 
retrofpecl  of  it  will  lead  pretty  far  back  into 
the  lad  century  when  it  originated  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner.  About  the  year  1606,  one 
John  Eaton,  George  Eaton  and  Jane  his  wife, 
Sarah  Eaton  and  Samuel  Jones  (members  of  a 
baptift  church  refiding  in  Llanddewi  and 
Mantmel  in  Radnorfhire  whereof  Rev.  Henry 
Gregory  was  overfeer),  alio  John  Baker  (mem- 
ber of  a  church  in  Kilkenny  in  Ireland  wh. 
Rev.  Chriftopher  Blackwell  was  paftor\  and 
one  Samuel  Vans  from  England  arrived,  an  J 
fettled  on  the  banks  of  Pennepek.  In  the 
year  1687  Rev.  Eiias  Keach  of  London  c:.rr,e 


*  Alexander  Edwards  Efq.   and  Thom2S  Welder  1 
Holms,   Tames    Dttngan,    Jofeph    Miles,     George 
Nerthrop,   George  Eaten,  Richard  Rid  . 
Ward,    P.    P.    Vanhorn,    John  Vincent,    Benj,    7- 
John    de    Nyce,     John    Wrjgbt,   Jcieph    Bui),    Tl 
Marpie,  Joftph  Bean,lAnn  Edwards,  Jane  Holms,    V;a- 
ton,  Su&nnah   Webfler,  Sarah   Marfhal,  Elizabeth 

MOWS,     EliZl 

Q,    Elizabeth    Northrop,     Mary   Edwj:. 
a,   Catherine    Eaton,   Mary    Rich#rdfon, 
Watts,    Rebeeka    Evans,      Elizabeth    Fofter,     Mary    de 
landy,  Mary  Ward,  Mary  Vincent,  Deborah  Ingles, 
rine  Richardfon,   Mary  Eaton,  Pleafant  ( 
oek,  Hannah  Eritain,  Janede  Nyce,  Mary  T 
Ahm  Foirer,  Rachel  Wright,  Martha   Edwards,  M 
,  Mary  Powell. 


(    8     ) 

among  them  and  baptized  one  Jofeph  Afhtoa 
and  Jane  his  wife,  William  Filher  and  John 
Watts  which  increafed  their  number  to  twelve 
fouls  including  the  minifter.  Thefe  twelve 
did  by  mutual  confent  form  themfelves  into  a 
church  in  the  month  of  January  1688,  choof- 
ing  Mr.  Keach  to  be  their  minifter,  and  Samuel 
Vaus  to  be  deacon.  Soon  after,  the  few  e- 
migrated  Baptifts  in  this  province  and  Weft- 
jerfey  did  join  them  ;  alfo  thofe  whom  Mr. 
JCeach  baptized  at  the  Falls,  Coldfpring,  Bur- 
lington, Cohanfey,  Salem,  Pennfneck,  Chef- 
ter,  Philadelphia,  &c.  They  were  all  one 
church,  and  Pennepek  the  center  of  union 
where  as  many,,  as  could,  met  to  celebrate  the 
memorials  of  Chrift's  death  ;  and  for  the  fake 
of  diftant  members  they  adminiftred  the  ordi- 
nance quarterly  at  Burlington,  Cohanfey, 
Chefter  and  Philadelphia  ;  which  quarterly 
meetings  have  fmce  transformed  into  three 
yearly  meetings  and  an  affociation.  Thus, 
for  feme  time,  continued  their  zion  with 
lengthened  cords  till  the  brethren  in  remote 
parts  fet  about  forming  themfelves  into  dif- 
tinct  churches  which  began  in  1699  and  con- 
tinued till  of  late  years.  By  thefe  detachments 
Pennepek  was  reduced  to  narrow  bounds,  but 
yet  abides  kmong  the  churches  as  a  mother  in 
the  mid  ft  of  many  daughters.  Various  hare 
hztxi  the  difficulties  they  pail'ed  through  for  a 
courfe  of  82  years;  but  having  obtained  help 
of  God  continue  to  this  day,  and  are  in  a  com- 
fortable fituation  under  the  care  of  their  pre- 
fent  worthy  paftor.  At  their  fettlement  and 
during  the  adminiftration  of  Mr.  Keach  they 
were  the  fame  as  now  with  refpect  to  faith  ai;d 


(     9    ) 

order  ;  but  when  their  number  increafed,  and 
emigrants  from  differing  churches  in  Europe 
incorporated  with  them  divifions  began  to  take 
place  about  various  things,  fuch  as  abfolute 
predeftination  ;  laying  on  of  hands  ;  diftri- 
buting  the  elements  ;  fmging  pfalms  ;  feventh- 
day  fabbath,  6tc.  which  threw  the  body  ecclcfi- 
aftic  into  a  fever.  In  the  year  1747  a  tumult 
aroie  about  the  choice  of  a  minifter  which  if- 
fued  in  a  feparation.  But  this  and  the  other  ma- 
ladies healed  when  the  peccant  humours  had 
been  purged  off,  and  the  defign  of  providence 
accomplished  ;  which  defign  is  expreffed  in 
thefe  notable  words,  There  muft  be  dhijtons  a- 
viong  you  that  they  who  are  approved  may  be  ?uade 
ruanifejl.  1  Cor.  xi.  19.  The  firil  minifter  they 
had  was  the 

Rev'.  Ellas  Keach. 

He  was  fon  of  the  famous  Benj.  Keach,  of 
London.  Arrived  in  this  country  a  very  wild 
fpark  about  the  year  1686.  On  his  landing  he 
dreffed  in  black  and  wore  a  band  in  order  to 
pafs  for  a  minifter.  The  project  fucceeded  to 
his  wifhes,  and  many  people  reforted  to  hear 
the  young  London  divine.  He  performed  well 
enough  till  he  had  advanced  pretty  far  in  the 
fermon.  Then,  ftopping  fhort,  looked  like  a 
man  aftonifhed.  The  audience  concluded  he 
had  been  feized  with  a  fudden  diforder  ;  but, 
on  afking  what  the  matter  was,  received  from 
him  a  confeffion  of  the  impofture  with  tears  in 
hfs  eyes  and  much  trembling.  Great  was  his 
efs  though  it  ended  happily  ;  for  from 
.  dated  he  his  coaverficn.     H§  heard  there 


C    ™   ) 

was  a  Baptift  minifter  at  Coldfprlng  m  Bucks 
county  between  Briftol  and  Trentown.  To 
liim  did  he  repair  to  feek  coufel  and  comfort  \ 
and  by  him  was  he  baptized  and  ordaineda 
The  minifter's  name  was  Thomas  Dungan.  * 
From  Coldfpring  Mr.  Keach  came  to  Penne- 
pek  and  fettled  a  church  there  as  before  relat- 
ed ;  and  thence  travelled  through  Permfylva- 
nia  and  the  Jerfies  preaching  the  gofpel  in  the 
wildernefs  with  great  fuccefs,  in  fo  much  that 
he  may  be  confidered  as  the  chief  apoftle  of  the 
Baptifts  in  thefe  parts  of  America.  He  aad 
his  family  embarked  for  old  England  early  in 
the  ipring  of  the  year    169a,  after  having  re- 


*  Of  this*  Venerable  father  I  can  learn  no  mere  than 
that  he  came  from  Rhodeifland  about  the  year  1684. 
That  he  and  his  family  fettled  at  Coldfpring  where  he  ga- 
thered a  church,  of  which  nothing  remains  hut  a  grave 
yard  and  the  names  of  the  families  which  belonged  to  it 
Viz.  the  DunganSy  Gardners,  Woods,  Doyh,  Sec.  That 
he  died  in  1688  and  was  buried  in  faid  grave  yard.  That 
his  children  were  five  fons  and  four  daughters  (1)  Willi- 
am, who  married  into  the  Whing  family  of  Rhodeifland. 
and  had  five  children  (x)  Clement,  who  died  childlefs 
(3)  Thomas,  who  married  into  the  Drake  family  and 
had  nine  children,  (4)  Jeremiah,  who  married  into  the 
fame  family  and  had  eight  children  (5)  Elizabeth,  who 
married  into  the  Weft  family  and  had  four  children  (<5) 
Mary  who  marriedintothe  Richards  family  and  had  three 
•children  (7)  John,  who  died  childlefs  (8)  Rebecka,  who 
married  into  the  Doyle  family  and  had  three  children  (9) 
Sarah,  who  married  into  the  family  of  the  Kerreis  and 
had  fix  children  ;  in  all  38 «•  To  mention  the  names,  al- 
liances and  offspring  of  thefe  would  tend  towards  an  end- 
lefs  genealogy.  Sufficeth  it,  That  the  Rev.  Thomas 
_Dungan  "(the  firft  baptift  minifter  in  the  province)  ncuv 
dsifteth  in  a  progeny  of  between  kx  and  fe-yea  hundred. 


<  K  > 

Ugned  the  caj%  of  the  church  for  a  confidera- 
ble  time  before  to  the 

Rev.  John  Watts, 

JJe  was  born  Nov.  3,  1661  at  Lydd  *  in  the 
jfbanty  of  Kent.   Came  to  this  country  about  the 

eyear  1686.     Was  baptized  at  Pennepek   Nov. 

v2i,  1687.  Called  to  the  miniflry  in  1688. 
Took  on  him  the  care  of  the  church  in  1690^ 
Continued  in  the  care  thereof  to  Aug.  27,  1702 
when  he  died  of  the  fmall  pox  and  was  buried 
at  Pennepek,  having  had  Mr.  Samuel  Jones  to 
his  affiftant.  He  married  Sarah  Eaton,  by 
whom  he  had  children,  Elizabeth,  Sarah,  Ma- 
ry, Deborah,  Elias  and  Stephen.  Stephen  is 
yet  alive.  The  fons  married  into  the  Roberts 
and  Melchior  families,  and  the  daughters  intov 
the  families  of  the  Yerkes,  Davis,  Shulls  and 
Ingles  and  have  raifed  him  twenty  nine  r  grand 
children,  and  thefe  another  generation  of  be- 
tween fifty  and  fixty.  Mr.  Watts  was  a  found 
divine,  and  a  man  of  fome  learning  as  appears 
by  a  book  *  he  wrote   entitled  Davis  Difabled. 


*  The  paper  from  which  I  took  the  above  account  is 
fo  illegible  that  I  cannot  be  fure  whether  the  place  of  his 
nativity  fhould  be  read  Lydd  or  Lecd  or  fomething  like 
either. 

*  The  book  whereto  Mr.  Watts's  piece  was  an  anfwer 
was  publifhed  in  1700  and  entitled  Jcfus  the  crucified 
man,  the  eternal  fan  of  God.  The  main  doctrine  in  this 
book  is  "  That  the  divine  nature  and  the  human  were 
'*  fo  blended  in  the  perfon  of  Chrift  that  he  was  not  pro- 
''  perly  God  nor  properly  man  but  a  compound  of  both." 

author,  Mr.  William   Davis,  had   been  a   Quake* 


(      12      ) 

There  was  an  order  for  printing  this  book  dated 
Aug.  3,  1705,  but  it  was  not  executed.  The 
manufcript  is  in  my  poffeffion.  He  alfo  com- 
pofed  a  catechifm  or  little  fyftem  of  divinity 
which  was  publifhed  in  1700,  but  of  it  I  have 
not  yet  obtained  a  copy.     His  fucceffor  was  the 

Rev.  Evan  Morgan. 

He  came  to  this  country  veryvearly  and  was 
a  fmart,  a  knowing,  and  a  pious  man.  He 
broke  off  from  the  Quakers  along  with  many 
others  of  Keith's  party  in  1 69 1 .  Was  baptized 
in  1697  by  one  Thomas  Rutter,  and  the  fame 
year,  renouncing  the  relkpies  of  Quakerifm, 
was  received  into  the  church.  In  1702  he  was 
called  to  the  miniftry,  and  ordained  061.  23, 
1706.  by  Rev.  meflieurs  Thomas  Griffiths  and  ' 
Thomas  Killingworth.  He  died  Feb.  16,  1709 
and  was  buried  at  Pennepek,  after  having  had 

preacher.  He  broke  off  from  them  in  the  grand  repara- 
tion of  1 601  along  with  George  Keith,  and  was  one  of 
the  forty  eight  who  figned  the  reafbns  and  caufes  of 
that  reparation.  In  1697  he  embraced  the  principles  of 
the  Baptifts  and  was  baptized  at  Philadelphia  by  Rev. 
Thomas  Killingworth  of  Cohanfey.  The  fame  year  he 
joined  Pennepek  church  where  he  began  to  inculcate  the 
above  mentioned  doctrine  with  great  affiduity  ;  but  they 
deeming  it  herefy  did,  after  a  flrfl:  and  fecond  admonition 
to  no  purpofe,  expel  him  Feb.  17,  1698.  After  that  he 
joined  a  fociety  of  Keithians  kept  at  the  houfe  of  Abra- 
ham Pratt  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Pennepek  (Tome  of 
which  had  been  baptized  the  year  before),  and  with  marcy 
of  them  became  a  feventhday  Baptift.  He  continued  to 
preach  to  them  till  he  went  to  Wefferly  in  Rhodeifland 
government  in  1711,  where  he  abode  to  1724  and  thence 
returned  to  the  Jerfies  where  he*  died.  After  k. 
Wefterly  he  wrote  a  letter  to  the  people  there  and  r 
ed  it3  wherein  he  complains  of  very  ill  ufage  from  th 


(  *3  ) 
the  joint  care  of  the  church  for  upwards  of  two 
years.  His  wife's  name  was  Mary  Swift  by 
whom  he  had  a  daughter  named  Frances  who 
married  Richard  Hall  and  bore  him  a  fon  who 
is  yet  alive  and  married  to  Sufannah  Edge. 
Her  fecond  hufband  was  Jofeph  Fifher,  by 
whom  fhe  had  children  Ifabella,  Mary  and 
Martha  who  married  into  the  Leech,  Green 
and  Hall  families.  Mr.  Morgan's  fucceffor, 
who  had  alfo  been  his  colleague,  was  the 

Rev.  Samuel  Jonet* 

He  was  born  July  9,  1657,  in  the  parifh 
of  Llanddewi  and  the  county  of  Radnor. 
Came  to  this  country  about  1686.  Called  to 
the  miniftry  in  1697.  Ordained  Oct.  23,  1706^ 
at  which  time  he  took  part  of  the  miniftry 
with  Mr.  Evan  Morgan.  He  died  Feb.  3, 
1722  and  was  buried  at  Pennepek.  His  chil- 
dren died  before  him.  He  had  Mr.  John  Hart 
*  and  others  to  his  affiftants.  The  ground  en 
which  the  meeting-houfe  ftands  was  given  by 
lum.  He  alio  gave  for  the  ufe.of  the  meeting 
Pool's  annot.  2  vol.  Burkit's  annot.  1  vol. 
Keach  on  the  parables  and  Bifhop's  body  of  di- 

*  Mr.  John  Kart  was  born  Nov.  16,  1651  at  "Whit- 
ney in  Oxiord.Qiire.  Came  to  this  country  early,  and 
preached  among  the  Quakers  to  1691  ;  at  which  time  he 
ied  with  George  Keith,  and  was  one  of  the  48  v.  ho 
Jigned  the  reaibns  of  that  reparation.  From  the  fepara  • 
t;on  in  1 59 1  he  preached  to  a  fociety  of  Keithians,  meet- 
ing at  the  houfe  of  John  Swift  in  Southampton,  Bucks 
county.  About  1697  he,  and  fome  of  the  fociety, 
embraced  the  principles  of  the  Baptifts.  The  ordinance 
was  adrniniitred  to  them  by  one  Thomas  Rutter.  In  1702, 
he  and  the  fociety  joined  Pennepek,     Mr,  Hart  was   not 


(     14     ) 

vinity,  &c.  His  fucceffoiy  who  a'Ifo  had  been 
Jiis  colleague,  was 

Rev.  Jofeph  Wood. 

Hs  was  born  in  the  year  1659  near  Hull  in 
Yorkfhire.  Came  to  this  country  about  1684. 
Baptized  by  Mr.  Keachat  Burlington  Jul.  24, 
2691.  Ordained  Sept.  25*  1708,  at  which 
time  he  took  part  of  the  minifrry  with  Mr.  E- 
van  Morgan  and  Mr.  Samuel  Jones.  He  died 
Sept.  15.  1747  and  was  buried  at  Coldfpring. 
His  children  were  Jofeph,  Jabez,  Jofiah,  Ta- 
bitha,  Benjamin,  John,  Samuel,  William  and 
Hannah.  Mr.  Wood  was-  reckoned  a  good 
preacher  ;  but  in  the  latter  part  of  life  his  ufe- 
fuinefs  was  much  leiTened  by  fome  family  and 
perfonal  unhappinefs,  better  concealed  thaa 
named.     His  fuccefTor  was 

Rev.   Abel  Morgan. 

He  was   born  in  the  year  1637,    at  a  place 

called  Alltgoch  in  the  parifh  of  Llanwenog  and 
county  of  Carmarthen.  Entefed  on  the  mini- 
ftry  in'  the  nineteenth  year  of  his  age.  Was 
ordained  at  Blaenegwent  in  Monmouthfnire. 
Arrived  in  this  country  Feb.  14.   1711.     Refi- 


ordained  ;  but  was  reckoned  a  good  preacher  and  a  mod 
pious  Chriftian.  The  laft  words  he  uttered  were,  Nou 
I  know  to  a  dernonft  ration  that  Chrifl  ditd  tofave  me  !  Kis 
wife's  name  was  Sufannah  Rum,  by  whom  he  had  chil- 
dren, John,  Jofeph,  Thomas,  Jofiah  and  Mary.  Thefe 
formed  alliances  with  the  Crifpin,  Miles,  Paulin  and 
Dungan  families  and  have  raifed  him  upwards  of  10  gvivA 
children. 


(  *  ) 

ded  fome  time  at  Philadelphia,  and  then  re- 
moved to  Pennepek.  Took  on  him  the  care  of 
the  church  as  foon  as  he  landed  ;  and  conti- 
nued therein  to  his  death,  which  come  to  pafs 
D^c.  1 6,  1722.  He  was  buried  in  the  grave 
yard  of  Philadelphia,  where  a  flone  is  erected 
to  his  memory.  His  firfl;  wife  was  Pri cilia 
Powell  of  Abergavenny.  His  fecond,  Martha 
Burrows.  His  third,  the  widow  Gooding, 
daughter  of  the  reverend  Thomas  Griffiths. 
She  is  yet  alive  under  the  name  of  Fulton. 
By  the  firft  he  had,  Jane  ;  by  the  third,  Rachel, 
Abel,  Samuel  and  Enoch.  Thefe  married  in- 
to the  Holms,  Howell,  Sprogle  and  Keen  fa- 
milies, and  have  raifed  him  16  grand  children. 
Mr.  Abel  Morgan  was  a  great  and  good  man, 
and  is  held  in  dear  remembrance  by  all  that 
knew  him.  He  compiled  a  folio  concordance 
to  the  Welfh  bible,  printed  at  Philadelphia  in 
1730.  Tranflated  the  Century  confeffion  to  Welfh, 
and  added  thereto  article  the  xxiii  and  xxxi. 
Several  other  pieces  of  his  are  yet  extant  in 
manufcripts.     His  fuccefTor  was 

Rev,  Jenkin  Joner. 

He  became  minifter  of  this  churchinthe  year 
1725  which  was  near  three  years  after  Mr.  Mor- 
gan's deceafe,  and  had  Mr.  William  Kinner- 
fley  #  to  his  affiftant.      Mr.  Wood  was  yet  a- 


*  Mr.  William   Kinnerfley  was  born    in    1669  at  a 
place  called  the  Lynch  near  Leominfter,   in    Erdsfieid  pa- 
id county  of  Hereford.     Kis  wife  was  Sarah  Turner 
of  Rofs,  ia  the,  fame  county,  by  whom  he  had  children 


(  *  ) 

live  but  not  verytapable  of  ferving  the  church, 
He  continued  in  the  care  thereof  for  upwards 
of  twenty  years,  and  then  refigned  it,  to 
become  the  minifter  of  Philadelphia  church 
where  we  fhall  fay  more  of  him.  His  fuccef- 
for  was 

Rev,  Peter  Peterfon  Vanhorn, 

He  was  born,  Auguft  the  24th,  1719,  at 
Middletown  in  Bucks  county,  and  was  bred  a 
Lutheran.  Embraced  the  principles  of  the 
Baptifts  Sept.  6,  1741.  Ordained  June  f8# 
1747.  Continued  in  the  oversight  of  the  church 
to  1762  when  he  refigned,  and  fettled  at  the 
Newmills  in  the  Jerfey.  His  affiftant  was  Mr. 
George  Eaton  #  .  His  wife  is  Margaret  Mar- 
shall by  whom  he  has  children,  William,  Ga~ 


Ebenezer  and  Mary,  who  married  into  the  fturneld  and 
JKubbs  families,  and  have  raifed  him  eight  grand  children. 
He  came  to  America  Sept.  12,  17 14.  Was  an  exhorter 
in  the  church  of  Tuxbery,  but  was  never  ordained.  He 
exercifed  his  talent  in  that  capacity  with  acceptance  to 
Feb.  13.  1734  when  he  died,  and  was  buried  at  Penne- 
pek, 

*  Mr.  George  Eaton  was  never  ordained  but  only  au- 
thorifed  to  preach  as  an  exhorter  about  the  year  1 7  34, 
which  he  continued  to  do  with  acceptance  to  his  death  in 
Jul.  1,  1764.  He  married  Mary  Davis  by  whom  he  had 
children,  George,  Peter,  John,  Sarah  and  James.  Thefe 
married  into  the  Taylor,  Morris,  Harris,  Grays  and 
Huntfman  families,  and  have  raifed  him  a8  grand  children. 
His  fecond  wife  was  Martha  Griffiths  who  is  yet  alive. 
He  bellowed  on  the  church  $  1.  and.  an  acre  of  land ;  and 
is  buried  at  Pennepek  where  a  tombftone  is  erected  to  his 
memory  by  his  furviving  and  pious  widow. 


(    17    ) 

briel,  Peter,  Aaron,  Thomas,  Elizabeth,  Mar- 
(hal,  Charles.     His  fucceflbr  is 

Rev.  Samuel  Jones,  A.  M. 

He  was  born  Jan.  14,  1735',  at  a  place 
called  Cefen  y  Gelli  in  Bettus  parifh  in  Glamor- 
ganfhire.  Came  to  America  in  1737.  Bred 
at  the  college  of  Philadelphia.  Ordained  Jan. 
8,  1763,  at  which  time  he  commenced  mini- 
fter  of  Pennepek  and  Southampton.  He  mar- 
ried Sylvia  Spicer  of  Capemay  by  whom  he  has 
a  fon  named  Thomas.  Mr.  Jones's  ordination 
fermon  was  printed  ;  together  with  a  charge 
given  him,  and  a  hiftorical  narrative  of  the 
manner  in  which  the  folemnity  was  conduced. 
1  The  next  church  to  Pennepek,  in  order  of. 
time,  is 

WELSHTRACT. 

This  is  diftinguifhed  by  the  above  name, 
which  is  the  name  of  a  parcel  of  land  furround- 
ing  the  place  of  worfhip,  in  the  hundred  of 
Pencader  and  county  of  Newcaftle,  45  miles 
s  s  wqs  from  Philadelphia.  The  houfe  is  a  neat 
brick  building,  40  feet  by  30,  with  feats,  a 
ftove,  and  adjacent  (tables.  It  (lands  on  a  lot 
of  high  ground,  containing  fix  acres,  the  gift 
of  Hugh  Morris  and  formed  into  an  angle  by 
the  running  of  Ironhill  brook  into  Chriftiana 
river.  Here  the  three  branches  of  the  Church 
meet  on  the  firft  Sunday  in  the  month  fo  cele- 
brate the  Lord's-fupper.  One  branch  refide 
near  ;  the  other  in  London-bii  ain  townfhip  9 
cailes  off.    The  third  at  Liukcrtek  hundred 


(     18     ) 

in  the  county  of  Kent,  about  32  miles  diftastj 
in  each  of  which  places  is  a  meeting  houfe. 
The  temporalities  of  this  church  are  ( 1 )  Two 
hundred  pounds  the  gift  of  Thomas  Edmunds 
(2)  A  plantation  of  1 16  acres  the  gift  of  Hugh 
Morris  (3)  Twelve  pounds  the  gift  of  Mary 
Williams.  With  thefe  helps  it  is  propofed  the 
living  (hall  be  worth  100  1.  a  year.  The  church 
is  now  in  its  widowed  ftate  ;  but  fupplied  by 
Mr.  John  Davis  fon  of  their  late  mini fler,  who 
is  a  fenfible  man,  bred  in  the  college  of  Phila- 
delphia, and  about  removing  to  Bofton.  The 
families  belonging  to  the  place  are  about  ioo^, 
whereof  107  #  perfons  are  baptized  and  in  the 
communion  of  the  church.     This  was  the  ftate 


*  Ifaiah  Lewis  and  David  Evans,  dcac.  Thomas  James, 
Efq.  Thomas  M'Kim,  Efq.  John  Evans,  Efq.  William 
Buckingham,  William  Buckingham,  jun.  John  Bucking- 
ham, John  Bowen,  Thomas  Davis,  John  Davis,  Tho- 
mas Jones,  Jofeph  Gardner,  Abel  Davis,  Daniel  Davis, 
William  Eynon,  Jofeph  Price,  Lewis  German,  Benja- 
min Jones,  Daniel  Griffiths,  David  Hughs,  Hugh  Glaf« 
ford,  Ifaac  Hughs,  Jacob  John,  James  Jones,  William 
James,  Jacob  Lemmon,  Richard  Lemmon,  John  Tcun- 
fend,  James  Williams,  Edward  Miles,  John  Morgan, 
John  M'Cormick,  Enoch  Morgan,  James  Mundle,  A- 
lexander  M'Kim,  Thomas  Robifon,  Morris  Thomas, 
Nicholas  Paine,  Jane  Buckingham,  Jane  Bowen,  Anne 
Bulh,  Hannah  Bonham,  Sarah  Braken,  Ruth  Cloud, 
Hannah  Connoly,  Mary  Cann,  Mary  Clark,  Mary  Ro- 
gers, Margaret  Morphy,  Either  Rees,  Hannah  Davis3 
Rachel  Davis,  Elenor  Davis,  Efther  Davis,  Mary  Price, 
Hannah  Eynon,  Jane  Evans,  Mary  Evans,  Rachel  Fa- 
ris,  Mary  Evans,  Rachel  Griffiths,  Mary  Griffiths,  A- 
bigail  Giles,  Elizabeth  Prichafd,  Margaret  Williams, 
Hannah  Duglas,  Gwen  Hughs,  Phebe  Hughs,  Hannah 
Hughs,  Elizabeth  John,  Tamar  James,  Sufannah  Jones. 
Hannah  Jones,  Joanna  Jones,  Jennet  Jones,  Mary  Jury, 
Choice  Townfend,  Sarah Whitten,  Catherine  Watfon,  Su- 
frnnah  Watfon,  Mary  Watfon,  Jane  Williams,    Debc- 


(     19     ) 

of  Weifhtracl  in  the  year  1770.  Their  ftate 
from  that  time  to  their  original  will  lead  us 
back  to  the  beginning  of  the  century  and  acrofs 
the  Atlantick  to  Wales  where  it  originated  in 
the  following  manner.  In  the  fpring  of  the 
year  1701  feveral  baptift  acquaintance  in  the 
counties  of  Carmarthen  and  Pembroke  refolved 
to  go  to  America.  And  as  one  of  the  compa- 
ny was  a  minifter  they  were  advifed  to  form 
themfelves  into  a  church.  They  did  fo.  The 
inftrument  of  their  confederation  is  ftill  extant 
but  without  a  date.  Their  names  were,  Rev, 
Thomas  Griffiths,  Griffith  Nicholas,  Evan  Ed- 
munds, John  Edwards,  Elifha  Thomas,  Enocli 
Morgan,  Richard  Davis,  James  Davis,  Eliza-* 
beth  Griffiths,  Lucy  Edmunds,  Mary  Jones, 
Mary  Thomas,  Elizabeth  Griffiths,  Jennet  Da- 
vis, Margaret  Mathias,  Judith  Morris.  Theis 
1 6,  which  may  be  Ityled  a-  church  emigra?;t, 
met  at  Milford  haven  in  the  month  of  June 
1 701,  and  embarked  on  board  the  good  fhip 
James  and  Mary  ;  and  on  the  eighth  of  Sep- 
tember following  landed  at  Philadelphia.  The 
brethren  there  treated  them  courteoufly,  and 
advifed  them  to  fettle  about  Pennepek.  Thi» 
ther  they  went,  and  there  continued  for  about 
a  year  and  a  half;  during  which  time  21  per- 
fons  joined  them.  But  finding  it  inconveni- 
ent to    abide  about  Pennepek  they  purchafed 

rah  Whitten,  Sarah  Jones,  Elizabeth  Lemmon,  Mary 
Lewis,  Sarah  Miles,  Saiah  Miles,  jun.  Mary  Morgan, 
Hannah  M'Cormick,  ?,largaret  Morgan,  Margaret  Mun- 
dle,  Rachel  Morrifon,  Elizabeth  Morgan,  Agnis  M'Kim„ 
Sarah  Oborn,  Catherine  Rees,  Mary  Roberts,  Elizabeth 
Robifon,  Mary  Rhodewell,  Jane  Rowland,  Mary  Tho- 
mas^ Mary  Thomas,  jun.  Hannah  Thomas,  Elizabeth 
nglcton,  Rev.  Robert  Lemmon. 


(      2°      ) 

land  in  the  county  of  Newcaflle  and  gave  it 
the  name  of  Wel/htraft :.  Thither  they  removed 
in  the  fpringof  1703  and  the  fame  year  built  a 
meeting  houfe  on  the  fpot  where  the  prefent 
ftands.  This  removal  left  fome  of  their  mem- 
bers near  Pennepek,  and  took  fome  of  the  Pen- 
nepek  members  to  Welfhtracl:  ;  yet  neither 
could  commune  with  their  neighbours  by  rea- 
fon  of  difference  about  laying  on  of  bands  ;  (the 
church  of  Pennepek  being  grown  indifferent  a- 
bout  the  rite  ;  but  that  of  Welfhtracl  deeming 
it  prerequifite  to  the  communion  of  faints.) 
To  remedy  this  inconvenience  both  churches 
appointed  deputies  to  compromife  matters  as 
well  as  they  could,  who  met  to  the  number  of 
24  at  the  houfe  of  Richard  Miles,  June  22. 
1706,  in  the  townfhip  of  Radnor  and  county  of 
Chefter.  The  iflue  of  the  meeting  was  an  a- 
greement  ( 1 )  That  the  members  of  either  church 
might  tranfiently  commune  with  the  other,  but 
not  be  received  into  memberfhip  (2)  That  the 
Votaries  of  the,  rite  might  freely  converfe  on 
the  fubjecl,  and  that  the  reft  would  hear.  Con- 
viction followed  ;  for  within  three  years  after 
we  read  that  fome  minifters  and  about  55  pri- 
vate perfons  fubmitted  to  the  ordinance.  No 
very  remarkable  events  have  happened  in  this 
church  for  a  courfe  of  69  years,  except  two 
divifions  (and  divifions  muft  be)  which  have 
been  pretty  well  healed  long  ago.  Four  things 
may  be  faid  in  commendation  of  thefe  people 
( 1 )  They  were  the  firft  who  received  the  Centu- 
ry confeljion  which  was  fubfcribed  by  122  of 
them  in  the  year  17 16,  with  addition  of  arti- 
cle the  xxiii  and  xxxi.  It  had  been  translated 
for  their  ufe  by   Mr.  Abet  Morgan  (2)  They 


(      »J      ) 

^ere  means  of  enlightening  many  touching  the 
nature  and  obligation  of  the  ordinance  of  lay- 
ing on  of  hands  after  baptifm  (3)  They  main- 
tained ftricl  difcipline  (4)  They  were  exact  ia 
keeping  records  ;  though  hereafter  they  will  be 
of  no  fervice  as  they  were  written  in  Welfh 
down  to  the  year  1732.  The  miniftry  of  this 
church  hath  been  filled  with  great  and  good 
men  who  have  been  as  ufeful  and  have  fup- 
ported  the  facred  character  as  well  as  any  fet 
of  clergy  in  America.     The  firfl  was 

Rev.  Thomas  Griffiths . 

He  was  born,  164c,  in  Llanfernach  parifh 
and  county  of  Pembroke.  Took  on  him  the 
care  of  the  church  at  their  conftitution  in  170K 
Arrived  with  them  in  this  country  Sept.  8, 
1 70 1 .  Died  and  was  buried  at  Pennepek  July 
25,  1725.  His  childrens  names  were  Eliza- 
beth, Samuel,  Ifaac,  Mary,  Judith.  Thefe 
married  into  the  families  of  the  Trueax,  Good- 
ing and  Morgan  and  have  raifed  him  18  grand 
children  ;  and  thefe  thirty  nine  great  grand 
children  moft  of  them  alive  under  the  names  of 
Loyds,  Wards,  Holms,  Halls,  Likings,  Mor- 
gans, Howells,  Griffiths.  His  daughter  Ju- 
dith is  yet  alive,  and  widow  of  Mr.  Fulton. 
His  fuccefTor,  who  had  been  his  colleague,  was 

Rrj.  Eli  Jim  Thomas. 

He  was  born  in  Carmarthenfhfre  in  1674. 
Arrived  in  this  counry  September  8,  1701. 
Took  on  him  the  care  of  the  church,  July  25, 
J 7 25.    Died  Nov.  7,  j 730,  and  was  buried  at 


(     M      ) 

tVelftitracl  where  a  tomb  is  erected  to  his  Me- 
mory.  He  had  two  daughters.  Rachel  and 
Sarah.  The  firft  is  yet  alive  and  widow  of 
the  Rev.  David  Davis.  Her  firft  hufband  was 
of  the  Jones  family  by  whom  fhe  had  a  daugh- 
ter (now  married  to  John  Evans,  Efq.)  who 
has  children,  John,  Rees,  Mary,  Qfwell. 
The  fecond  daughter  married  into  the  family 
of  the  James  and  went  to  Carolina,  where 
fome  of  her  offspring  exift  to  this  day.  Mr. 
Griffiths's  fucceiTor,  who  alfo  had  been  his 
colleague,  was 

■Rev.-.  Enoch  Morgan. 

He  was  bor,n  in  1 676  at  a  place  called  Allt- 
goch  in  the  parifh  of  Llanwenog  and  county  of 
Cardigan.  Arrived  in  this  country  Sept.  8, 
1 701.  Took  on  him  the  fole  care  of  the  church 
Nov.  7,  1730.  Died,Mar.  25,  1740,  and  was 
buried  at  Welfhtradt  where  a  tomb  is  erected 
to  his  memory.  His  widow  is  yet  alive.  By 
her  he  had  children,  Abel  (now  minifter  of 
Middletown  and  unmarried),  Efther  and  E- 
noch  who  married  into  the  Douglas  and 
Howell  families  and  have  raifed  him  many 
grand  children.  His  fucceffor,  who  alfo  had 
been  his  colleague,  was 

Rev*  Onven  Thomas. 

He  was  born  in  1691  at  a  place  called  Givr- 
godllys  in  Cilmanllwyd  parifh  and  county 
of  Pembroke  in  Wales.  Came  to  America  in 
1707.  Took  on  him  the  care  of  the  church 
Mar.  25,  1740.     Continued  in  the  care  thare- 


C  n  ) 

of  to  May  27,  1748  when  he  removed  to  Vin- 
cent near  the  Yellowfpring,  where  he  died  and 
was  buried  Nov.  12,  1760.  His  children  were 
Elizabeth,  Morris,  Rachel,  Mary,  David,  Sa- 
rah, Owen  who  married  into  the  Thomas* 
Cantrel,  Allifon,  Jury,  Rogers  and  Evans  fa- 
milies and  have  raifed  him  forty  fix  grand 
children.  Mr.  Owen  Thomas  left  behind  him 
the  following  remarkable  note.  "  I  have  been 
94  called  upon  three  times  to  anoint  the  fick 
"  with  oil  for  recovery.  The  effect  was  fur- 
"  prizing  in  every  cafe  ;  but  in  none  more  fo 
"  than  in  that  of  our  brother  Rynallt  Howell. 
"  He  was  fo  fore  with  the  brurfes  of  the  wag- 
"  gon  when  he  was  anointed  that  he  could  not 
"  bear  to  be  turned  in  bed  o  t  her  wife  than  with 
"  the  fheet ;  the  next  day  he  was  fo  well  that 
f*  he  went  to  meeting".  I  have  often  wonder- 
ed that  this  rite  is  fo  much  neglected  as  the  pre- 
cept is  fo  plain,  and  the  effects  have  been  fo 
falutary.  His  fucceflbr,  who  alfo  had  been  his, 
colleague,   was 

Rev,  David  Davis. 

He  was  born  in  1 708  in  the  parifh  of  Whit- 
church and  county  of  Pembroke.  Came  to 
this  country  m  the  year  17 10.  A/Turned  the 
care  of  the  church  May  27,  1748.  Continued 
in  the  care  thereof  to  Aug.  19,  1769  when  he 
died.  He  was  an  excellent  man  !  and  is  had 
in  precious  remembrance  bv  all  that  knew  him. 
His  childrens  names  are  Rees,  Jonathan  (now 
miniiter  of  the  feventh  cay  b.ipti ft  church  at 
Cohanfey),  John  (now ^a  probationer }y  Sufaa- 
na,  Mary,  Margaret.     Johnand  Margaret  are 


t    *4     ) 

fibgfe  ;  the  reft  are  married  into  the  families 
€>f  the  Miles,  Bonhams,  Bentleys  and  Parrs 
and  have  raifed  him  eighteen  grand  children. 
Go  temporary  with  Mr.  Davis  was 

Rev.  Griffith  Jotter* 

He  was  bom  0&.  8,  1695  at  a  place  called 
Alltfanurm  the  parifli  of  Llanon  and  county  of 
Carmarthen.  Entered  on  the  miniftry  in  the 
19th  year  of  his  age.  Settled  fir  ft  at  Penyfair 
and  afterwards  at  Cefcnhengoed.  Came  to  Ame- 
rica in  I749>  and  fettled  at  Duckcreek.  Died 
Dec.  4,  1754  and  was  buried  atPencader.  He 
had  two  wives,  by  whom  he  had  children  Ma- 
ry, Samuel,  Morgan  (now  minifter  of  Hemp- 
ftead  in  England),  John,  Benjamin,  Robert* 
Rachel.— -The  next  church  in  point  of  fenioritje 
is  the 

GREAT  VALLEY. 

It  is  diftinguiflied  by  the  above  name  of 
Greatvalley,  which  is  the  name  of  a  long  bottom 
of  land  reaching  from  Schuylkill  to  Sufquehan- 
11a.  In  the  eaft  end  of  which,  in  the  townfhip 
of  Tredyffryn,  county  of  Chefter,  eighteen 
miles  WN-wh-N  from  Philadelphia  ftands  the 
meeting- houfe.  Its  dimenfions  are  28  feet 
fquare,  erected  in  1722  with  feats,  galleries, 
and  a  ftove.  The  ground  about  it  contains 
near  two  acres  ;  a  part  of  which  was  given 
by  William  George  ;  the  reft  purchafed  by  the 
church.  On  this  lot  are  ftables  ;  and  adjoin- 
ing it  a  fchool  houfe.  The  fituation  is  plea- 
fant,  being  rifing  ground  by  the  highway  and 


(      2J      ) 

bordering  on  a  fmall  brook  called  Nant yr  E- 
nvig.  The  church  exifts  in  two  branches.  The 
one  near  ;  the  other  ztYe/loufpring  in  the  town- 
ihip  of  Vincent,  about  12  miles  off  where  is  a 
meeting  houfe,  a  fchool  houfe,  and  a  liable. 
The  houfe  is  30  feet  by  20,  and  flands  on  a  lot 
of  four  acres,  the  gift  of  Mr.  Cox.  Other  le- 
gacies appertain  to  this  church  (1)  One  hun- 
dred and  fifty  pounds  the  gift  of  William 
George  ;  one  third  of  which  is  appropriated  to 
the  Yellowfpring  (2)  Fifty  pounds  the  gift  of 
Thomas  Rees  (3)  Fifty  pounds  the  gift  of  John 
Phillips  (4)  Sixteen  pounds  the  gift  of  Edward 
Mathews  (5)  Five  pounds  the  gift  of  Richard 
Owen  (6)  Four  pounds  the  gift  of  William 
Morgan  (7)  Twenty  pounds  the  gift  of  Thomas 
Jenkins  (8)  Five  pounds  the  gift  of  Sarah  Miles 

(9)  Five  pounds   the    gift  of  Griffith   Jenkins 

(10)  Five    Pounds  the  gift  of  Griffith  Philips 

(11)  Ten  pounds  the  gift  of  John  David  Rees 

(12)  Ten  pounds  the   gift  of  William    Rees 

(13)  Fifty  pounds  the  gift  of  Hugh  Wilfon  to- 
wards fupporting  the  fchool  houfe  (14)  Twen- 
ty pounds  the  gift  of  Owen  Phillips  towards 
keeping  the  meeting  houfe  in  good  repairs  (15) 
A  plantation  of  fifty  acres  with  a  good  houfe 
and  outhoufes  on  it,  the  gift  of  Henry  Davis. 
With  thefe  helps  the  living  is  judged  worth 
lool.  a  year.  The  families  belonging  to  the 
place  are  about  92,  whereof  99  #  peribns  are 

*  John  Davis,  ?nhu  James  Davis,  eTd.  Sarnne!  Jones  an  J 
John  Williams,  deac.  Samion  Davis,  David  Thomas, 
Thomas  Nicholas,  Jofeph  Nicholas,  George  George, 
Thomas  Davis,  Rev.  Thomas  Davis,  Edward  Powell, 
Nathan  Powell,  David  Cornog,  Abraham  Cornog,  Tho- 
mas Cornog,  Daniel  Cornog,   Evan  Thomas,   Griffith 


(      2*      ) 

baptized  and  members  of  the  church.  The  pre- 
fent  minifter  is  Rev.  John  Davis.  Thus  flood 
matters  at  the  Greatvalley  in  1770.  A  retrof- 
pect  of  their  affairs  will  lead  us  to  the  year  1701 
and  1 702  when  feveral  families  from  Wales  ar- 
rived and  fettled  in  the  eaft  end  of  faid  valley  ; 
one  of  which  was  James  Davisj  a  member  of 
the  baptift  church  of  Rydwilim  in  Carmarthen- 
fliire.  Near  to  his  plantation,  in  Radnor  town- 
fhip  lived  one  Richard  Miles  who,  with  his 
wife,  had  been  baptized  a  little  before  by  Mr. 

William  Beckingham  inUpperprovidence. 

Thefe  two  families  conforted  together,  and  in- 
vited minifters  from  other  parts  to  preach  at 
their  houfes,  by  which  means  feveral  were 
baptized  particularly  William  Thomas  Hugh, 
Arthur  Edwards,    William   Davis,    Margaret 

Thomas,  William  Griffiths,  John  Edwards,  Lewis  Mor- 
gan, Edward  Jones,  Ifaac  Adams,  Elijah  Davis,  David 
Thomas,  Owen  Thomas,William  Grano,  John  Thomas, 
Thomas  Morris,  William  Gorden,  David  Jenkins,  Phi- 
lip Jenkins,  Philip  Lewis,  Enoch  Lewis,  Jofeph  Philips, 
David  Philips,  John  Philips,  James  John,  William- Wells, 
David  Davis,  Sarah  Evans,  Mary  Davis,  Hannah  Jones, 
Mary  Williams,  Catharine  Jones,  Elizabeth  Nicholas, 
Mary  Nicholas,  Hannah  Davis,  Mary  Evans,  Ann  Wal- 
ters, Catherine  George,  Hannah  George,  Mary  Davis, 
Mary  Pugh,  Mary  Davis,  Mary  PowcT,  Elizabeth  Ste- 
vens, Margaret  James,  Catherine  Cornog,  Jane  Cornogf 
Mary  Thomas,  Elizabeth  Thomas,  Sarah  Cornog,  Mar- 
tha Lewis,  Jane  Davis,  Sarah  Mather,  Mary  Davis,  Mar- 
garet   ,   Sarah  Edwards,    Martha   Edwards,   Edith 

Adams,  Alee  Adams,  Elizabeth  Davis,  Catherine  Ro- 
berts, Lcttice  Thomas,  Margaret  Gran©,  Mary  Loyd, 
Lettice  James,  Lettice  Davis,  Hannah  Morris,  Sarah 
Gorden,  Joan  Davis,  Margaret  Jenkins,  Jane  Jenkins, 
Ann  Lewis,  Elizabeth  Martin,  Mary  Philips,  Margaret 
Phillips,  Mary  Williams,  Emma  Vaughn,  Margaret 
Smith,  Hannah  Wells,  Mary  Davis,  Elizabeth  Davis, 
Elizabeth  Jones,  Catherine  Bartholomew, 


(      27      ) 

J>avis,  Joan  Miles,  Jane  Miles,  Margaret 
Phillips,  Margaret  Evans.  In  17 10  Rev. 
Hugh  Davis  (an  ordained  minifter),  William 
Rees,  Alexander  Owen,  John  Evans  and  Mar- 
garet his  wife  arrived  and  fettled  in  the  fame 
neighbourhood  which  increafed  their  number 
to  fixteen,  and  made  them  think  of  forming 
themfelves  into  a  church.  Accordingly,  Ap. 
22.  171 1,  they  were  incorporated,  and  did 
choofe  Rev.  Hugh  Davis  to  be  their  minifter  ; 
and  Alexander  Owen,  and  William  Rees  to  be 
elders,  and  the  fame  year  they  joined  the  afTo- 
ciation  ;  the  former  officiated  as  a  deacon  till 
Griffith  Jones  arrived  from  Rydwilimin  the  year^ 
17^2.  From  this  time  to  1722  they  increafed 
fall  partly  by  Mr.  Davis's  miniftry,  partly  by 
comers  from  other  parts,  but  chiefly  by  emi- 
grants from  Wales,  which  made  it  inconveni- 
ent for  them  to  hold  their  meetings  in  private 
houfes,  and  fet  them  on  erecting  the  buiJding 
before  defcribed.  No  very  remarkable  event 
hath  come  to  pafs  in  this  church  for  a  courfe 
of  59  years  except  a  debate  which  arofe  among 
them  in  1726  on  account  of  the  Teventh  day 
iabbath  and  which  caufed  five  families  to  with- 
;draw ;  of  which  more  hereafter.  The  firft  mi- 
nifter which  the  Greatvalley  had  was 

Rev,  Hugh  Davis, 

He  was  born  in  1665  in  Cardiganftiire. 
Baptized  and  ordained  at  Rydwilim.  Arrived 
in  this  country  Apr.  26,  171 1.  Settled  with 
the  church  when  firft  conftituted.  Continued 
among  them  to  his  death,  which  came  to  pafs 
©&•  13*  1753,  after  haying  faithfully  fcrved 


(      28      ) 

the  church  for  42  years  five  months,  and  21 
days.  He  had  one  daughter  who  married  Da- 
vid Davis.  The  family  yet  exifts  near  Sufque- 
hanna.  Mr.  Hugh  Davis  was  a  man  of  parts 
with  a  natural  turn  for  fatyr  ;  which  neverthe- 
lefs  he  managed  to  advantage  in  his  fermons. 
Some  years  before  his  death  he  had  a  fevere 
pain  in  his  arm  which  gradually  wafted  the 
limb,  and  made  life  a  burden.  After  trying 
many  remedies  he  fent  for  the  elders  of  the 
church  to  anoint  him  with  oil,  according  to 
James  v.  14 — 17.  The  effect  was  perfect  cure 
fo  far,  that  the  pain  never  returned.  One  of 
the  elders  concerned  (from  whom  I  had  this 
relation)  is  yet  alive,  and  fucceeds  Mr.  Hugb 
Davis  in  the  miniftry,  viz. 

Rev.  John  Davis. 

He  was  born  Nov.  1,  1702  in  Llanfernach 
pariih,  county  of  Pembroke.  Arrived  in  A- 
merica  Jul.  27,  17 13.  Called  to  the  miniftry 
in  1722.  Ordained  Nov.  16,  1732,  at  which 
time  he  took  part  of  the  miniftry  with  Mr. 
Hugh  Davis  ;  and  has  had  the  fole  care  of  the 
church  fmce  his  death  in  j  7  5  3 .  Mr.  John  Da- 
vis married  Abigail  Miles,  by  whom  he  had  a 
fon  named  Samfon  who  alfo  married  into  the 
fame  family  and  has  children,  Abner,  Abigal, 

Hannah,  Nathan  and  John. The  next 

church  is 

BRANDIWINE. 

This  receives  its  diftinclion  from  a  river  of 
the  above  name  near  to  which  the  church  rs- 


(      29      ) 

fides.     It  exifts  in  two  branches  ;  the   one   in 
Birmingham  townfhip  in  the  county  of  Chefter 
where  is  a  meeting-houfe,  creeled  in  i  7  1 8  on  a 
lot   of  one  acre    the  gift   of  Edmund  Butcher, 
38  miles    wbs,  wefterly,    from    Philadelphia  ; 
the  other  branch  is  in  Newlin  townfhip,  1 2  miles 
off,  where  is  a  houfe,  erected   in   1742,    on  a 
lot  of  one  acre  the  gift  of  Jeffrey  Bendy.  They 
adminitter  the  Lord's-fupper  alternately  in  each 
place  the  third  iunday  in  the  month,  when  they 
have  help  ;  for  at  prefent  they  are  in  a  widow- 
ed ftate.     There  are  no    temporalities  belong- 
ing to  this  church,  nor  many  rich  ;    for  which 
reafon  it  is  fuppofed  that  20  1.  a  year  would  be 
the  utmoft  they  could  raife  towards  fupporting 
a  minifter.        The    families    belonging    to  the 
place  are  about    26,  whereof  19  *  perfons  are 
baptized  and  in  the  communion  of  the  church. 
This  was  the  ftate  of  Brandiwine  in  the   year 
1770.     It  originated  in  the  following    manner 

. About  the  year  1697  a  fociety  of  Keithian 

baptifts  was  formed  in  the  neighbourhood  ;  of 
which  more  hereafter.  This  fociety  broke  up 
in  1 700  on  account  of  a  difference  that  arofe  a- 
mongft  them  about  the  Sabbath  Such  as  pre- 
ferred the  fir  ft  day  of  the  week  lay  fcattered  in 
the  neighbourhood  to  thejrear  17 14  when  Mr. 

*  Jeffrey  Bently  dcac.  John  M'Kim,  Samuel   M'Kim, 

Samuel   Richee,     Samuel ,    John     Garret,   Robert 

Chalfont,  George  Bently,  James  Shields,  James  Bird, 
William  Collet,  Elizabeth  M'Kim,  Jane  Shields,  Eliza- 
beth Garret,  Margaret  Baldwin,  Sufanna  Simmons,  Eli- 
zabeth Barnet,  Ruth  Frame,  Margaret  Collet,  Hannah 
M'Kraken,  Mary  Shields,  Margaret  Shields,  Elizabeth 
Powelf,  Dorcas  Davis,  Martha  Barnet,  Sarah  Piper,  Eli- 
-:hWay,  Elenor  Bently,  Mary  Evans,  Efther  Hop- 
ton. 


(    3°    ) 

Abel  Morgan  vifited  them,  and  baptized  one 
Jeremiah  Collet.  He  continued  his  vifits  and 
found  the  following  remains  of  the  Keithian 
church  of  Providence  to  be  regular  and  found 
In  the  faith,  viz.  Edmund  Butcher,  John  Po?- 
yell,  Richard  Buffington,  John  Beckingham? 
Jofeph  Powell,  David  Roberts,  ThomasGeorge, 
Elizabeth  Powell,  Hannah  Beckingham,  Mar- 
gery Martin,  Hannah  Hunter,  Mary  Robinet, 
Mary  Powell,  Joan  Powell.  Thefe  15  perfons 
were,  by  faid  Abel  Morgan,  formed  into  a 
church  June  14,  1 7 1 5  ;  and  the  fame  year  re- 
ceived into  the  aflbciation.  The  church  hath 
Slow  exifted  for  upwards  of  55  years  without  a- 
Tlj  remarkable  event.  At  fir  ft  they  met  in  the 
ioufe  of  John  Powell  at  Upperprpvidence ;  but 
~the  body  of  the  people  removing  northward 
they  agreed  in  17 17  to  hold  their  worfhip  at 
Birmingham^  where  they  built  the  houfe  be- 
fore defcribed.  But  many  of  them  fettling 
northward  dill  they  found  it  necefTary  in  1741 
to  have  another  meeting  in  Newlin  townfhip 
within  the  forks  of  Brandiwine,  where  they  al~ 
fo  built  a  houfe,  as  has  been  obferved  before. 
They  were  for  near  5  years  without  any  mini?* 
fter  except  visiters  from  other  churches.  The 
iirft  that  fettled  among  them  was 

Rev*  William  Butcher. 

He  was  born  May  18,  1699  in  the  townfhip 
pf  Birmingham  and  county  of  Chefter.  Bap- 
tized Aug.  11,  1717.  Entered  on  the  mini- 
ftry  in  17 19.  Continued  in  it  among  them  to 
1721  when  he  removed  to  Cohanfey  where  he 
died  and  was  buried  Dec.  12,  1724.    He  mar- 


(     3i     ) 

ried  the  widow  Wallin,  but  had  no  Iflue.  From 
his  departure  to  the  Jer'ey,  Mr.  Owen  Thomas 
and  others  vifited  the  church  once  a  month  till 
they  had  a  miniiter  of  their  own  again,  which 
Was  not  till  about  40  years  after.  Mr.  Butcher 
was  a  popular  preacher  ;  and  withall  very  tall, 
and  of  a  majeftic  prefence  which  procured  him 
the  name  of  The  high  prleft.  The  next  minifter 
they  had  was 

Rev.  Atel  Griffiths. 

He  was  born  Dec.  23,  1723,  in  the  townfhfp 
of  Montgomery  and  county  of  Philadelphia. 
Was  baptized  Apr.  14,  1744.  Ordained  in 
1761.  Settled  at  Brandiwine  Ap.  12,  1761 
where  he  continued  for  fix  years,  and  then  re- 
moved to  Salem  in  the  Jerfey.  He  married  Sa- 
rah Coffin  by  whom  he  has  children,  Sarah, 
Rachel,  Elizabeth,  John  and  William,  all  fm- 
gle. The  next  church    in  order  of  time,  is 

MONTGOMERY. 

This  is  diftinguifhed  by  the  above  name  of 
the  town  (hip  where  the^  meeting  is,  in  the 
county  of  Philadelphia  about  20  miles  Nbw  from 
the  city.  The  houfe  is  a  ftone  building,  42 
feet  by  24,  with  feats,  galleries,  a  ftove  and 
two  fire  places.  It  was  erected  in  1 73 1  on  a  lot 
of  one  acre,  the  gift  of  John  Evans,  whereon 
are  alfo  convenient  (tables  and  a  fchool  houfe, 
This  church  exifts  in  three  branches  ;  the  one 
near  the  place  of  worfhip  ;  the  other  at  Per- 
quefy  where  is  a  houfe,  erected  in  1737  by  Mr. 
William,  Thomas  who  alfo  appropriated  theret# 


(   M   > 

four  acres  ;  the  third  at  Upperperquefy  where. 
is  a  houfe  built  in  1752,  on  an  acre  of  land  the 
gift  of  John  Kelly,  within  8  miles  of  the  mo- 
ther church  ;  the  other  within  four  miles. 
From  thefe  quarters  the  people  refort  to  Mont- 
gomery to  celebrate  the  Lord's  fupper  on  the 
fecond  fun  day  in  every  month.  Befides  the 
iaid  acres  there  are  othe*  legacies  left  to  this 
church  (1)  Twelve  pounds  a  year,  the  gift  of 
Thomas  Edmunds  (2)  One  pound  ten  {hillings 
a  year  the  gift  of  Thomas  Rees  (3)  One  pound 
fixteen  millings  a  year  the  gift  of  Thomas  Jones. 
With  thefe  helps  the  living  is  thought  t€>  be 
•worth  40  La  year.  The  families  belonging  to 
the  place  are  about   90.,  whereof  99  #  perfons 


*  John  Thomas  mlnif.  Ephraim  Thomas  and  Ifaac 
James  elders ,  Jofeph  Thomas  and  Jofeph  Lunn  deac^ 
Jenkin  Evans,  Jofeph  Thomas,  Henry  Harris,  Thomas 
JDavis,  ManafTeh  Thomas,  Enoch  Thomas,  Thomas 
Thomas,  Job  Thomas,  Nathan  Britain,  Samuel  Jones, 
Jofeph  Griffiths,  Peter  Evans,  John  Hitchman,  Benja- 
min Drake,  Laurence  Kelly,  John  Mathias,  Evan  Ma- 
thews, Jeremiah  Vaftine,  Edward  Jones,  Edward  Eaton, 
Jofeph  Days,  Thomas  Mathias,  Thomas  Morris,  Tho- 
mas Jones,  John  Williams,  John  Britain,  Nathaniel  Bri- 
tain, Jofeph  Britain,  Jonathan  Newhoufe,,  Henry  God- 
Ihalk,  Abel.  Griffiths,  Richard  Britain,  John  Weft,  Tho- 
mas Jones,  Evan  Pugh,  Ann  James,  Mary  Davis,  Eliza- 
beth Thomas,  Martha  Harris,  Martha  Jones,  Sarah 
Bates,  Sarah  Thomas,  Alee  Lunn,  Elenor  Thomas,  Sa- 
rah Thomas,  Mary  Thomas,  Rebecka  Thomas,  Ana 
.Britain,  Leah  Jones,  Elenor  Evans,  Mary  Lewis,  Mary 
Griffiths,  Rachel  Drake,  Rachel  Drake,  Hannah  Hum  • 
phrey,  Joanna  Davis,  DeboVah  Drake,  Sarah  Thomas, 
Alee  Mathias,  Hannah  Mathias,  Mary  Mathews,  Rebec- 
ka Eaton,  Elizabeth  Vaftine,  Gwenliian  Morris,  Sarabf 
Gray,  Margaret  Jones,  Sarah  Vaftine,  Mary  Eaton,  Doy 
rothy  Days,  Elizabeth  Mathias,  Ann  Morris,  Ann  Lew- 
is, Ann  Williams,  Elizabeth  Jones,  Ann  Williams, 
Hefter  Jones,  Elizabeth  Britain,  Hannah   Coiner,  Ami 


(    33    > 

are  baptized  and  in  the  communion  of  the 
church.     The   prefent  minifter  is  Rev.   John 

Thomas. This  was  their  ftate  in  the  year 

1770.  For  their  original  we  muft  look  back  to 
1710  when  John  Evans  and  wife  (members  of 
a  baptid  church  in  Wales  whereof  James  James 
was  paftor)  ;  the  next  year  one  John  James  and 
wife  (members  of  Ridwilim  church  whereof 
John  Jenkins  was  paftor)  arrived  and  fettled  int 
laid  townfhip.  In  the  year  1712  Mr.  Abel 
Morgan  began  to  vifit  them.  In  1718  he  bap- 
tized William  James,  Thomas  James,  Jofiah. 
James,  James  Lewis  and  David  Williams.  la 
1 7 1 9  arrived  one  James  Davis,  which  increafect 
their  number  to  ten  fouls.  Then  they  were  ad- 
vifed  either  to  join  Pennepek  or  be  formed  into 
a  church.  They  preferred  the  latter ;  and  ac- 
cordingly were,  June  20,  1719,  conftituted  by 
the  faid  Abel  Morgan,  and  the  fame  year  were 
received  into  the  affociaticn.  In  1720  many 
emigrants  from  Wales  joined  them  which  indu- 
ced them  to  build  a  meeting  houfe  on  the  fpot 
where  the  prefent  ftands.  In  1722  they  called 
to  the  miniftry  one  Benjamin  Griffiths  and  Jo- 
feph  Eaton,  who  were  foon  after  ordained.—* 
From  that  time  to  the  prefent  they  have  fent 
forth  many  ministers,  fuch  as  Rev.  meffieurs 
John  Thomas*  John  Marks,  John  Davis,  Abel 
Griffiths  &c.  This  church  hath  now  exifted 
for  upwards  of  50  years  without  any  remarka- 
ble event,    except  a   divifion  which  took  place 

Newhoufe,  Mary  Cook,  Kathcrine  Philips,  Mary  Lewis^ 
Mary  Griffiths,  Rebeeka  Pugh,  Rachel  Britain,  Margaret 
Jones,  Abigal  Britain,  Ann  Young,  Elizabeth  Godihalk, 
Catherine  Dungan,  Ann  Jones,  Ann  Weft,  Sarah  Par* 
fcer,  Elizabeth  E.ee§» 


(    34    ) 

in  1743,  of  which  more  hereafter.     The  Sr{| 
fettled  minifter  they  have  had  was 

Rev.  Benjamin  Griffiths- 

Hs  was  born  Oft*  16.  1688  in  theparifli  of 
lilanllwyni  and  county  of  Cardigan.  Came  to 
this  country  in  1710.  Baptized  May  12, 17 1 1- 
Settled  at  Montgomery  in  1720.  Called  to  thc- 
sniniftry  in  1722.  Ordained  Oct:.  23,  1725. 
Continued  in  the  care  of  the  church  to  his 
death,  which  came  to  pafs  Oct.  5,  1768,  and 
•was  buried  at  Montgomery  in  the  8 1  year  o£ 
iis  age  and  the  47  of  his  miniftry ;  having  had 
Mr.  William  Thomas*  to  his  affiftant  for  many 
years.  His  funeral  fermon  was  preached  by 
Rev.  David  Thomas  of  Virginia  and  isprinted^ 
He  married  Sarah  Miles  by  whom  he  had  chil- 
dren, Jane,  Abel  (now  minifter  of  Salem),  Sa- 
yah,  Jofeph,  Rachel,  who  are  married  into  the 
Evans,  Coffin  and  Roberts  families,  and  have 
raifed  him  22  grandchildren.  Mr.  Griffith* 
was  a  man  of  parts  though  not  eloquent,  and 
liad  by  induftry  acquired  tolerable  acquaintance 
with  languages  and  books*    He  appeared  iar 

*  He  was  born  in  Llanwenarth  parifh  in  Monmouth* 
Ihire.  Arrived  in  this  country  Feb.  14,  1712.  He  was 
never  ordained  but  preached  as  an  cxhorter  to  his  death 
'which  came  to  pafs  in  the  year  1757.  He  was  buried  at 
the  meeting  houfe  which  he  himfelf  had  erected .  His 
children  were  Thomas,  John  (now  minifter  at  Montgo~ 
anery),  Job,  Ephraim,  Manafleh,  William,  Ann.  ■ 
Thefe  have  married  into  the  Bates,  Williams,  James* 
;Morris,  Days  and  Rouland  families,  and  have  raifed  hin* 
*  numerous   progeny.      He  purchased  feven   plantations 

for  his  fevea  children  and  built  qjj  each  a  good  floa* 


(    35    ) 

print  m  vindication  of  the  refurreclion  of  the 
fame  body  (a  very  fcaree  piece)  ;  and  in  anfwcr 
to  an  anonymous  pamphlet  entitled  The  divine 
right  of  infa?it  baptifm.  He  wrote  a  treatife  of 
difcipline  which  has  been  twice  printed  ;  alfo 
an  EJJay  on  affectations,  <bc.  ;  An  anfwer  to  But- 
ler's creed  which  have  not  been  printed.  He 
was  offered  a  commiffion  of  the  peace,  whic& 
lie  refufed*  Upon  being  afked  why  he  declin- 
ed the  honour,  made  anfwer  "  Men  are  not 
to  receive  honour  from  offices  but  offices  from 
men  ;  as  much  as  men  receive,  the  others  lofe^ 
till  at  laft  offices  come  to  have  no  honour  at 
all."  Mr.  Griffiths's  fucceffor,  and  the  pre- 
fait  minifter  of  Montgomery,  is 

Rev.  John  Thomas^ 

He  was  born  Dec.  9,  1703  in  the  townfhip 
cf  Radnor  and  county  of  Chefter.  Called  to 
the  miniftry  at  faid  Montgomery  in  the  year 
1749.  Ordained  in  1 7 5 1  ;  and  has  had  the 
fole  care  of  the  church  fince  the  deceafeof  Mr, 
Griffiths.  He  married  Sarah  James  by  whom 
he  has  children,  Ann,  Rebecka,  Lea,  Rachel  ; 
the  laft  is  a  maiden  ;  the  others  are  married  in- 
to the  Britain,  Pugh  and  James  families,  and 
have  raifed  him  many  grandchildren.— —The 
gext  church,  as  to  feniority,  is 

TULPEHOKON. 

This  is  diftinguifhed  by  the  above  name, 
'Which  is  the  name  of  a  river  that  runs  through, 
the  neighbourhood.  The  fir  ft  meeting  houfe 
was  built  ia  1740  oft  a  lot  of  three  acres,  tie 


(  3<$  > 
gift  of  Hugh  Morris,  Evan  Loyd,  and  Evaitf 
Price,  in  the  townfhip  of  Cumry,  county  of 
Berks,  about  65  miles  Nwbwqw  from  Phila- 
delphia. It  is  in  dimenfions  26  feet  by  16. 
The  other  houfe  is  of  the  fame  fize,  diftant  frorrf 
the  firft  4  miles,  built  the  fame  year  on  a  lot  of 
one  acre,  the  gift  of  Thomas  Bartholomew  and 
Hannaniah  Pugh  ;  both  near  Reading,  and  the 
high  road  leading  thence  to  Philadelphia.  — 
There  are  no  temporalities  belonging  to  this 
church  ;  nor  many  wealthy  people,  for  which 
reafon  it  is  thought  that  20  1.  a  year  would  be 
the  utmoft  they  could  raife  towards  fupporting 
a  minifter.  The  families  belonging  to  the  place 
are' about  12,  whereof  19  #  perfons  are  baptiz- 
ed. The  minifter  is  Rev.  Thomas  Jones.  -^* 
This  was  their  ftate  in  1 770.  Their  beginning 
was  in  1738  when  the  following  perfons  re- 
moved from  the  Greatvaliey  and  Montgomery 
and  fettled  near  the  banks  of  Tulpehokon,  Tho- 
mas Jones  and  wife,  David  Evans  and  wife5, 
James  James  and  wife,  Evan  Loyd  and  wife, 
George  Rees  and  wife,  John  Davis  and  wife, 
Thomas  Nicholas  and  wife,  James  Edwards 
and  wife,  Rees  Thomas  and  wife,  Henry  Har- 
ris, David  Lewis  and  Thomas  Loyd.  Theie 
21  perfons  finding  themfelves  too  far  from  their 
refpective  churches  requefted  leave  to  be  con- 
stituted into  a  diftinct  fociety,  which  according1- 
]y  was  done  Aug.    19,    1738  •,    and  the  fame 


*  Thomas  Jones  and  wife,  Thomas  Jones  jur.  John 
Davis,.  John  Davis,  Thomas  Nicholas,  John  Edwards, 
David  Evans,  Nathan  Evans,  Mary  Jones,  Martha  Da- 
vis, Mary  Davis,  Mary  Nicholas,  Maiy  Harris,  Sarah 
Broom  field,  Efter  Lenvil,  Hannah  Evans,  Margara 
J>ayis,  Sajah  Cornog, 


(     37     ) 

year  joined  the  aflbciation.  In  the  year  174$ 
Rev.  Thomas  Jones  became  their  paftor.  Thh 
church  hath  exifted  for  32  years  without  any 
remarkable  incident,  except  that  it  is  in  a  very 
declining  (late,  owing  to  the  departure  of  bap- 
tift  families  to  other  parts,  and  the  coming  of 
Germans  in  their  (lead.  Their  firfl,  and  pre- 
lent  rniniiler  is 

Rev,  Thomas-  Jones, 

He  was  born  in  1703  in  the  parifh  of  New* 
townottage  in  Glamorganshire.  Arrived  in 
this  country  Jul.  22,  1737.  Ordained  in  1740, 
at  which  time  he  took  the  overfight,  of  the 
church.  He  married  Martha  Morris  by  whom 
he  has  children,  Martha,  Thomas,  Samuel 
(now  minifter  of  Pennepek) ,  Griffith,  Elizabeth, 
Sarah.  Thefe  have  formed  alliances  with  the 
Davifes,  Bropmfields,  Spicers,  Loyds  and  Cor- 
nogs  and  have  raifed  him  16  grand  children. 

SOUTHAMPTO  N. 

This  is  the  feventh  church  in  the  province  ; 
and  is  diilinguifhed  by  the  above  name  of  the 
townfhip  where  the  meeting  is,  in  the  county 
of  Bucks,  about  18  miles  nne  from  Philadel- 
phia. The  houfe  was  erected  in  173 1  on  a  let 
of  one  acre,  the  gift  of  John  Morris,  with  feats, 
galleries  and  a  Hove.  Near  it  are  (tables,  a 
fchool  houfe,  and  a  grove.  The  prefent  place 
of  wcrfhip  is  fmall  and  decaying  ;  but  prepara- 
tions are  making  for  a  new  houfe  which  is  to 
be  45  feet  by  35.  The  endowment  of  this 
church  is  a  plantation  of  112  acres  with- a  good 


(    33    ) 

houfe  and  outhoufes,  the  gift  of  John  Morris* 
now  let  for  20  1  a  year.  With  this  help  the 
living  is  reputed  worth  60  1.  a  year.  Their 
preacher  is  Mr.  Erafmus  Kelly  who  is  not  yet 
ordained.  The  families  belonging  to  the  con- 
gregation are  about  50,  whereof  56  #  perfons 
are  baptized.  This  was  the  ftate  of  the  South- 
ampton church  in  1770.  It  originated  from 
two  fources.  The  one  was  a  monthly  meet- 
ing kept  in  the  neighbourhood  by  fome  who 
belonged  to  Pennepek.  The  other  was  a  foci- 
ety  of  Keithians  in  the  fame  neighbourhood 
•who  became  baptifts  about  the  year  1697  and 
joined  the  former  in  the  year  1702.  Thus 
they  went  on  to  the  year  1746,  when  they  were 
all  incorporated  into  a  diftincl:  church  with  the 
leave  of  their  brethren  of  Pennepek.  The  day 
"was  Apr.  8.  Their  number  was  46.  Their 
names,  Thomas  Dungan,  Jeremiah  Dungan, 
Thomas  Potts,  Nicholas  Gilbert,  Robert  Par- 
fons>    Samuel   Gilbert,    John  Hart,   Thomas 

*  Stephen  Watts  eld-,  Anthony  Yerkes  and  Arthur 
Watts  dent.  Jofeph  Hart  Efq.  John  Shaw,  Randel  Mor- 
gan, Clement  Dungan,.  David  Dnngan,  John  Gilbert, 
Silas  Yerkes,  Thomas  Dungan,  Thomas  Dungan  juiv 
Abel  Morgan,  James  Dungan,  Jofepn  Dungan,  WilUam 
Folweil,  John  Brooks,  David  Marple,  Jeremiah  Dun- 
gan, Jofeph  Newtown,  John  Newtown,  Thomajs  Fol- 
well,  Jane  Griffiths,  Mary  Davis,  Elizabeth  Watts,  Sa- 
rah Shaw,  Efter  Beans,  Mary  Gilbert,  Elizabeth  Hart,. 
Rebecka  Cuningham,  Sarah  Beans,  Jane  Yerkes,  Mary 
Dungan,  Elizabeth  Hellings,  Elizabeth  Storts,  Rebecka 
Prichard,  Sarah  Watts,  Martha  Brooks,  Hannah  Burnci, 
Mary  Craven,  Sarah  Shaw,  Ann  Folweil,  Elizabeth  Par- 
ibus, Mary  Morgan,  Elizabeth  Folweil,  Mary  Richifon, 
Sarah  Dungan,  Chrifliana  Johnfton,  Sufanna  Rum,  Re- 
becka Yerkes,  Elenor  Beans,  Elizabeth  Marple,  Grace 
Webiler,  Elizabeth  Saudi,  Elizabeth  Beans,  'Mary  Fore** 


(    39    ) 

Ptmgan,  Stephen  Watts,  Jofhuah  Potts,  Ran- 
deliviorgan,  John  Eaton,  John  Morford,  John 
Harrilbn,  John  Shaw,  John  Jones,  Clement 
Dnngan,  David  Dungan,  James  Dungan,  Da- 
vid Rees,  Jofeph  Beans,  John  Gilbert,  Jofeph 
Hart,  Ifaac  Eaton,  Silas  Yerkes,  Oliver  Hart, 
Elenor  Hart,  Elizabeth  Hart,  Elizabeth  Yer- 
kes, Elizabeth  Watts,  Sarah  Shaw,  Mary  Dun- 
gan, Grace  Morgan,  Sarah  Murrey,  Efter 
Beans,  Mary  Jones,  Mary  Gilbert,  Jane  Yer- 
kes, Sufannah  Thomas,  Elizabeth  Baldwin,  E- 
lizabeth  Hellings,  Rebecka  Humphrey,  Mary 
Newman,  Ann  Potts,  Elizabeth  Morford,  Sa- 
rah Hufty.  The  fame  year  they  joined  the  af- 
fociation.  They  have  now  exifted  as  a  church 
for  upwards  of  24  years  without  any  remarkable 
event,  except  that  they  have  fent  forth  two 
very  excellent  minifters,  meffieurs  Oliver  Hart 
and  Ifaac  Eaton.  They  alfo  attempted  to  re- 
gulate marriages  after  the  manner  of  the  Qua- 
kers, which  would  have  ftrengthened  the  foci- 
ety  by  mixture  of  blood,  and  alliances  ;  but 
their  worldly  wifdom  was  foon  confounded, 
which,  with  other  things,  tempts  one  to  believe 
that  the  baptift  intereft  has  fomething  in  it 
which  excludes  policy  ;  and  will  fhow  that  it 
is  a  kingdom  not  of  this  world.  The  fir  ft  mi* 
nifter  they  have  had  was 

Rev.  Joftuah  Potts. 

He  was  born  Jan.  4,  17 19  at  Mansfield  in 
tMJerfey.  Baptized  Sep.  2,  1738.  Ordain- 
ed May  29,  1746,  at  which  time  he  took  on 
Iiim  the  care  of  the  church,  and  continued 
therein  to  his  death,  which  came  to  pafs  June 


(     40    ) 

1 8 , 1 7  6 1  >  and  was  buried  at  S ou  thampton .  Mr . 
Potts  is  faid  to  have  been  endowed  with  a  very 
uncommon  fhare  of  thofe  qualifications  which 
render  the  civil  and  minifterial  life  amiable. 
He  married  Ann  Bordon  by  whom  he  had  chil- 
dren Mary,  Amy,  Abigail,  Rebecka,  Hannah, 
Joihuah,  Thomas,  all  fingle,  except  two  who 
are  married  into  the  Edwards  and  Taylor  fa^ 
milies. Mr.  Potts's  fucceffor  was 

Rev.  Tbo?nas  Davis. 

He  continued  among  them  for  a  confidera- 
ble  part  of  the  two  years  that  elapfed  between 
Mr. Potts's  death  and  the  corning  of  Mr. Jones, 
but  not  as  a .  fettled  paftor  ;  for  which  reafon 
*we  will  take  notice  of  him  when  we  come  to 
Oyfterbay  in  Longifland.  The  next  miniiter 
which  this  church  hath  had  was 

Rev.  Samuel  Jones,  A.  M„ 

He  took  the  joint  care  of  them  and  Penne- 
pek  Jan.  8,  1763  ;  and  continued  his  care 
thereof  to  June  1,  1770,  when  he  refigned  in 
favour  of  Mr.  Kelly.  We  have  fpoken  already 
of  Mr.  Jones  under  Pennepek.     His  fucceffor  is 

Mr.  Erafmus  Kelly,  A.  B. 

He  began  to  preach  flatedly  at  Southamp- 
ton.May  13,  1770  but  is  n(5t  "ordained.  ^Ke 
was  born  Jul.  24,  1748,  in  Perquefy,  courffey 
of  Bucks.  Had  his  education  at  the  college 
of  Philadelphia  where  he  commenced  in  1769. 
uWaa  baptised  June  5,  1760  5  called  to  the  mi- 


(     4*      ) 
niftry  and  licenced  to  preach  the  fame  year.    He 
is  a  hopejful  youth  ! 

PHILAD  E  LP  HI  A. 

Th  i  s  is  the  eighth  church  in  order  of  confti- 
tution  ;  but  in  reality  is  within  one  year  as  old 
as  Peunepek.  It  is  dillinguiilied  by  the  above 
name  of  the  city  where  it  exills  ;  and  is  conii- 
dered  as  accn:^  iie  affociating  churches. 

The  place  of  worfhip  is  a  neat  brick  building* 
6l  feet  by  42,  with  pews  and  galleries,  erected 
in  1762  at  the  charge  ct  2:00  1.  It  Hands  near 
the  center  of  the  city  on  a  lot  of  303  feet  by  44, 
having  the  bu/  und  to  the  back,    and  a-' 

court  to  the  front  opening  to  Seconditreet  ;  in 
one  corner  of  which  is  theparfonagc  houfe.  A 
part  offaidlot  did  belong  totheKeithians;  the 
other  part  was  given  by  John  Holms,  ful 
to  a  debt  of  icol.  The  endowments  of  this 
church  are  confderable  ( 1 ) A  parfonage  houfe, 
erected  by  Rev.Jenkin  Jones  at  his  own  expence 
in   part,  and  in   part    at  the    expence  of  John 

. :  who  bequeathed  50  1.  for  that  purpofc 
(2)  Three  houfes,  the  gift  of  Sarah  Branfon, 
now  let  for  co  1.  a  year  (;)  Three  hundred 
pounds  the  gift  of  Sarah  Smith  (4)  One  hun- 
dred pounds  the  gift  of  Septimus  Robifon   ancf 

Son   (0  Two  pounds  ten   fhillings   a   year 

the  gift  of  John  Morgan.      The  mini  tier   has  a 

to  10  1.  out  of  faid  houfes  ;  to  the  intereit 

K of  the  laid  three  hundred  ;   and  to 
age  houfe  ;   the  reft  arc  either  appropri- 
>  the   poor,  or  left  to  the  difpofal  of  the 
th  the  above  helps  the  li\  ing  is  re- 
puted worth  2cc  1.  a  year  to  the  mini- 


(  4*  ) 
fier,  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards.  The  families  be- 
longing to  the  place  are  about  120,  whereof 
14.0*  perfons  are  baptized  and  in  the  commu- 
nion of  the  church.  This  was  the  ftate  of  Phi- 
ladelphia in  the  year  1770.  Their  (late  in  re- 
trofpec?i  will  lead  us  almoft  to  the  founding  of 
the  city.  In  the  year  1686  one  John  Holms 
arrived  and  fettled  in  the  neighbourhood  :  he 
wara  man  of  property  and  learning  ;  and  there- 
fore we  find  him  in  the  magiftracy  of  the  place 
in  1 69 1.  He  died  judge  of  Salem  court. 
In  1696  John  Farmer  and  his  wife  arrived: 
they  belonged  to  the  church  of  Rev.  An- 
fard  Knollis,  in  London.  In  1697  one 
Jofeph  Todd  and  Rebecka  Woofencroft 
came  to  the  lame  neighbourhood,  who  be- 
longed to  a  baptift  church  at  Limmington  in 
Hampfhire  whereof  Rev.  JohnRumfey  was  paf- 
tor.  The  fame  year  one  William  Silverftone, 
William  Elton  and  wife,  and  Mary  Shepherd 
were  baptized  by  Rev.  Thomas  Killingworth. 


*  Morgan  Edwards,  win.  Ifaac  Jones,  Efq.  George 
Wefcott  and  Samuel  Davis,  eld.  Jofhuah  Moore,  Samuel 
Miles,  Jofeph  Moulder,  deac.  Samuel  Afhmead,  Efq. 
Rev.  Ebenezer  Kinnerfley,  John  Perkins,  John  Stande- 
land,  Jofeph  Ingles,  Samuel  Burkilo,  Thomas  Byles, 
Joh**  Bazeley,  Catherine  Standeland,  Mary  Burkilo,  E- 
»dith  Prieftley,  Efther  Afhmead,  Elizabeth  Byles,  Sarah 
'Bazeley,  Elizabeth  Shewell,  Mary  Morgan,  Ifaac  B.ellen- 
gee,  Rebecka  Williams,  Mary  Morris,  Jennet  Church, 
Either  Tommins,  John  Linnington,  Sarah  Ncrtb,  Ma- 
ry Harris,  William  Powell,  Mary  Rufh,  Sufanna  Wood- 
row,  Eienor  Kefler,  Abraham  Levering,  Ann  JU»ring, 
Catherine  Morgan,  Edward  Middleton,  MarthaBtoflin, 
Mary  Thomas,  Rachel  Davis,  Septimus  LeveriiMBjtta- 
j*y  Levering,  Elizabeth  Church,  Catherine  Coughlin, 
Ann  Barns,  Jofeph  Watkins,  Joanna  Anthony,  Frances 
Jones,   £Iuabeth  £yles,  Mary  Bartholomew,  Catherine 


(     43     ) 

Thefe  9  perfons  did,  on  the  fccond  ftmday  in 
Dec.  1698,  affemble  at  ahoufein  Barbadoes 
lot,  and  did  ccalefce  into  a  church  for  die  com- 
munion of  faints,  having  Rev.  John  Watts  to 
their  affiftance.  From  that  time  to  the  year 
1746  they  increafed,  partly  by  emigrations 
from  the  eld  country,  and  partly  by  the 
occafional  labours  of  rev.  meflieurs  Elias  Keach, 
Thomas  Killingworth,  John  Watts,  Samuel 
Jones,  Evan  Morgan,  John  Hart,  Jofeph 
Wood,  Nathaniel  Jenkins,  Thomas  Griffiths, 
Eliiha  Thomas,  Enoch  Morgan,  John  Bur- 
rows, Thomas  Selby,  Abel  Morgan,  George 
Eaglesfield,    William   Kinnerfley    and  others. 

Bartholomew,  Benjamin  Davis,  Barnaby  Barns,  Jemima 
Timmerman,  Sufanna  Morris,  John  Dickfon,  Samuel 
Jones,  Mary  Powell,  Sarah  Hellings,  William  Perkins, 
Eilher  Davis,  Hannah  Stakes,  Andrew  Edge,  Jofeph 
Williams,  Mary  Iden,  Sarah  Shcwell,  Sarah  Gardner, 
Mary  Wood,  Sarah  Edge,  Frances  Maglone,  Sufanna 
M'Laneghan,  Hannah  Swanfon,  Samuel  Miles,  John  Ma- 
fon,  Nehemiah  Davis,  John  Morgan,  Grace  Loyd, 
William  Jenkins,  Jofeph  Moulder,  Sarah  Moulder,  Sa- 
rah Neaves,  Elizabeth  Holton,  Thomas  Shields,  Aim 
Ruxby,  Margaret  Emmet,  Rebecka  Wilfon.,  Charles 
Wilfon,  Abel    Gibbon,  Sarah  Thomas,  Martha  Mafon, 

3  Hunter,  Sarah  Harper,  Lydia  Shields,  Jonah  Tho- 
map,  Mary  Robifon,  Mary  Jones,  Joan  Thomas,  Su- 
fanna Rofe,  John  Rofe,  Hannah  Drinker,  Poliydore  and 
Nelly,  Jacob  Levering,  William  Harper,  Sarah  Powell, 
Elizabeth  Shcwell,  Ann  Bray,  Thomas  Fleefon,  Samuel 
Oiden,  Elizabeth  Morgan,  Sarah  Briding,  George  In- 
gles, Jofeph  Gilbert,  John  Stow,  Rebecka  -  Barger,  Mary 
Riehcy,  Judith  Fulton,  Evan  Jenkins,  Thomas  Du* 
John  Flintham,  Samuel  Woodbridge,  Ifaac  Powell,  Eli- 
.^:x:ih  Morris,  Sarah  Megetcgen,  Mathias  MairlS,  Matr 
^^BfLevering,  Sufannah  De    Nyce,  John   Drinker,    E- 

1  Morgan,   Erafmus  Kelly,  Sarah  Marfh.   Mary 

h,  Mary  Evur.s,  M-ij  PaweU,  Charles  M'L©- 


(     44     ) 

from  the  beginning  to  the  laft  mentioned  time 
(1746)  they  had  no  fettled  minifter  among 
them  though  it  was  a  period  of  48  years.  The 
firft  that  might  be  properly  called  their  own 
was  Rev.  Jenkin  Jones  ;  the  reft  belonging  to 
other  churches.  They  did  indeed  in  1723 
choofe  George  Eaglesfield  to  preach  to  them, 
contrary  to  the  fenie  of  the  church  of  Penne- 
pek  ;  but  in  1725  he  left  them  and  wTent  to- 
Middleton.  About  the  year  1746  a  queftion 
arofe,  whether  Philadelphia  was  not  a  branch 
of  Pennepek  ?  and  consequently,  whether  the 
latter  had  not  a  right  to  part  of  the  legacies 
beftowed  on  the  former  ?  This  indeed  was  a 
groundlefs  queftion.  But  for  fear  the  defiga 
,  of  their  benefactors  fhould  be  perverted  the 
church  of  Philadelphia  did,  May  15.  1746, 
formally  incorporate,  which  had  only  been 
done  implicitly  in  Dec.  16.  1698.  The  num- 
ber of  perfons  that  did  incorporate  was  56. 
Th-nr  names  were,  Jenkin  Jones,  Ebenezer 
Kioneriley,  William  Branfon,  Andrew  Edger 
Thomas  Pearfe,  Stephen  Anthony,  Auguitint 
Stillman,  Samuel  Alhmead,  Mathew  Ingles, 
John  Perkins,  John  Standeland,  Robert  Shew- 
cll,  John  Biddle,  Jofeph  Crean,  Henry.  Hart- 
iey,  John  Lewis,  Jofeph  Ingles,  Samuel  Bur- 
kilo,  John  Catla,  Thomas  Byles,  John  Baze- 
ley,  Samuel  Morgan,  Lewis  Rees,  Mary  Stan- 
deland, Hannah  Farmer,  Mary  Catla,  Ann 
Yerkes,  Mary  Burkilo,  Mary  Prig,  Hannah 
Crean,  Ann  Davis,  Harma  Bazeley,  Jarre 
Giffm,  Edith  Bazeley,  Alee  Clark,  Lafeipia 
Creenman,MaryBall,  UftawLewis,  Jane  Loxfey, 
Eiler  Afhmead,  Hannah  Jones,  Sarah  Branfon,. 
Catherine  Anthony,.  Jane  Pearfe,  Mary  Edge/ 


(    49    } 

Mary  Valecot,  Elizabeth  Shewell,  Mary  Mid- 
dleton,     Frances  Holwell,    Elizabeth    Sallows, 
Mary    Morgan,    Ann    Hall,    Phebe    Hartley, 
Ann  White.     The  place  where  the  church  met' 
at  firft  was  the  corner  of  Secondftreet  andChef- 
nutftreet,  known  by  the  name  of  Barbadoes  lot.  ^ 
The  building  was  a  ftore  houfe  ;  but  when  the 
Barbadoes  company  left  the  place  the  Baptifts 
held    their  meetings    there,      So  alfo   did   the  -» 
Prefbyterians,when  either  a  baptift  or  prefbyte- 
rian  minifter  happened  to  be  in  town;  for  as  yet  J 
neither  had  any  fettled  among  them.  But  when  \ 
Jedediah   Andrews    came  to    the   latter   they  * 
in  a  manner  drave  the  baptifts  away.     Several  j 
letters  paffed  between  the  two  focieties  on  the  .. 
occalion,  which  are  yet  extant.     There  was  al-  j 
fo  a  deputation  of  ttree  baptifts  appointed  to  i 
remonftrate  with  the  prefbyterians  for  fo  unkind 
and  right lefs    a  conduct  ;'  but  to    no  purpcie. 
From  that  time   forth  the  baptifts  held   their 
worfhip  at  a  place  near  the  draw-bridge  known  ' 
by   the  name  of    Anthony   Morris's    bre^vhoufe  : 
Here  they  continued  to  meet  to  Mar.  15.  1707 
when,  by  invitation  of  the  Keithians,  they  re- 
moved their  worfhip  to  Secondftreet  where  they 
hold  it  to  this    day.     The    keithian  meet' 
houfe  was  a  fmall  wooden  building  'erected  in 
1692.     This  the  baptifts  took    down  in  17:1, 
and  raifed  on  the  fame  fpot  a  neat  brick  build- 
ing, 42  feet  by  30.     This  alfo  was  taken  down 
in  1762  to  make  way  for  theprefent  which  hath 
been  already  defcribed.      But  an  accident  in 
1734  had  like  to  have  deprived  the   baptifts  of 
their  valuable  lot  and  houfe.     Then  one  Tho- 
mas Peart  died  afcer  having  made  a  conveyance 
ef  the  premifes   to  the  church   of  Engl.. 


(     A6     ) 

Theveflry  demanded  poffeffion.  The  fcaptiffsv 
refufed.  A  law  fuite  commenced,  which 
brought  the  matter  to  a  hearing  before  the  af- 
fembly.  The  epifcopalians  being  difcouraged 
offered  to  give  up  their  claim  for  50  1.  The 
offer  was  accepted  ;  and  contention  ceafed. 
No  other  very  remarkable  event  hath  hap- 
pened in  this  church  except  a  divifion  which 
took  place  in  171 1  occafioned  by  the  turbulent 
Spirit  of  an  Irifh  preacher  that  was  among 
them,  along  with  Mr.  Burrows.  His  name 
was  Thomas  Selby.  When  he  had  formed  a 
party  he  fhut  Mr.  Burrows  and  his  friends  out» 
who  thenceforth  met  at  Mr.  Burrows's  houfe 
in  Chefnutftreet.  This  was  the  fituation  of 
affairs  when  Mr.  Abel  Morgan  arrived  in  171 1 . 
But  his  prefence  foon  healed  the  breach,  and 
obliged  Selby  to  quit  the  town, which  he  did  in 
1 7 1 3.  and  went  to  Carolina  ;  and  there  died 
1  he  fame  year,  but  not  before  he  had  occafion- 
ed much  disturbance — The  minifters  which  this 
church  have  had  from  the  beginning  to  the 
year  1746  are  mentioned  above,  and  fome  of 
ihem  have  been  already  character ifed.  The 
rell  will  be  mentioned  in  proper  places.  The 
following  are  the  minifters  they  have  had  finc.e 
that  time. 

Rev.  Jenkin  Jones* 

He  was  born  about  1690  in  the  parifli  of 
Uanfernach  and  county  of  Pembroke.  Ar- 
rived to  this  country  about  17 10.  Calk  1  .0 
the  miniftry  at  Welmtracl  in  1724.  Removed 
thence  in  1725.  Became  the  mini fter  of  Phi- 
ladelphia, only,  at  the  time  they  were  recon- 


(  47  ) 
ftituteJ  in  May  i£.  1746  ;  for  theretofore  he 
had  the  care  of  Pennepek  alfo.  He  died  at 
Philadelphia  Jul.  16.  1 761,  and  was  there 
buried,  where  a  tomb  is  creeled  to  his  memo- 
ry, lie  married  the  widow  Mclchior,  but  had 
no  i/Tvie.  Mr.  Jones  was  a  good  man  and  has- 
done  real  fervices  to  the  church,  and  to  the 
baptilt  intereft.  (1)  He  fecured  to  them  the 
pofTeflion  of  their  valuable  lot  and  place  of 
worihip  before  defcribed.  (2)  He  was  the 
moving  caufe  of  altering  the  direction  of  li- 
cences fo  as  to  enable  diffenting  minifters  to 
perform  marriages  by  them.  (3)  He  built  a 
parfonage  houfe  partly  at  his  own  charge* 
(4)  He  gave  a  handfome  legacy  towards  pur- 
chafing  a  fdver  cup  for  the  Lord's  table,  which 
is  worth  upwards  of  60  J.  His  name  is  en- 
graven upon  it Cotemporary  with  him  was 

Rev.  El:n:zzr  KinnerJIey ,  A.  M. 

He  was  born  Nov.  30.  171 1,  in  the  city 
ofGloucefter.  Arrived  in  this  country  Sept, 
12.  1 7 14.  Ordained  in  1743.  Preached  at 
Philadelphia  and  elfewhere  to  1754  when  he 
got  a  profe/Tor's  chair  in  the  college  of  faid 
city,  which  he  fills  with  reputation  to  this  day. 
He  is  well  known  to  the  learned  world  on  ac- 
count of  his  improvements  in  electricity.  He 
married  Sarah  Duffield  by  whom  he  has  two 
children,  Hefter,  and  William.  —  Mr.  Jenkin 
Jones's  fucceflbr  L> 

Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  A.  M. 

He  was  born  May  o,  i]22,  in  the  pasifh  of 


(  4§  ) 
Trevetnin  and  county  of  Monmouth.  Was 
bred  a  churchman.  Embraced  the  principles 
of  the  baptifts  in  1738'.  Had  his  grammar 
learning  in  Wales.  His  academical  in  Briflol 
under  Dr.  Fofkett.  Entered  on  the  niiniftry 
in  the  fixteenth  year  of  his  age,     Was  ordain- 

Jed,  June  1.  1757,  in  Ireland  where  he  refided 
fiine  years;  He  married  Mary -Nun  of  Cork, 
by  whom  he  had  many  children,  two  of  which 
are  alive,  William  and  Jofhuah,  The  eldeft 
is  now  'in  RhodeifFand  college.  Mr.  Edwards 
arrived  in  Philadelphia  M  ay  2  3 .  1 7  6 1  ;  and 
has  had 'the  overfight  of  the  church  e\er  fmce. 
He  publifhed  (1)  A  Farewell  Sermon  at  Rye  in 
Suflex  in  1760,  which  has  been  twice  printed 
(2)  An  Ordination  Sermon,  delivered  in  the 
college  of  Philadelphia,  Jan.  8.  1763  ;  with 
a  Narrative  of  tire  manner  in  which  the  ordina- 
tion was  conducted  (3)  The  cuftoms  of  primitive 
churches ■,  being  a  fet  of  precepts  and  precedents 
relative  to  minifterial  offices  (4)  A  New-year's 
gift,  publifhed  at  Philadelphia  Jan.  1.  1770, 
which  has  pafTed  through  four  editions.  He 
laboured  hard  to  fettle  a  baptift  college  in 
Rhodeiiland  government  and  to  raife  money  to 
endow  it  ;  which  he  deems  the  greateft  fervice 
he  has  done  or  hopes  to  do  for  the  honour  of 
the  baptift  intereft. 

NEWBRITAIN. 

This  is  the  ninth  church  in  the  province 
with  refpect  to  feniority.  It  is  commonly  dif- 
tinguifhed  by  the  above  name  of  the  townfhip 
where  the  meeting  is,  in  the  county  of  Bucks, 
about  25  miles  Nb^hn  from  Philadelphia.—^ 


(  49  ) 
The  houfe  is  of  (tone.  40  feet  by  30,  erected  in 
1744  on  a  lot  of  two  acres,  partly  the  git:  ot 
judge  Growden,  and  partly  the  purchase  ot  the 
congregation,  whereon  are  ilables,  a  fchool 
houfe  and  a  fine  grove.  It  is  a  riling  ground, 
formed  into  an  angle  by  the  eroding  of  two 
high  roads.  The  houfe  is  accommodated  with 
feats,  galleries  and  a  dove.  This  church  ex- 
ifts  in  two  branches  ;  the  one  near  the  meeting 
houfe  ;  the  other  on  the  border  of  the  Great- 
fwamp,  14  miles  off,  where  alfo  is  a  meeting 
houfe,  commonly  known  by  the  name  of  Rock- 
bill.  All  aflemble  at  Newbritain  on  the  fir  ft 
funday  in  the  month  to  celebrate  the  Lords 
fupper.  There  are  fome  temporalities  belong- 
ing to  this  church  alio.  (1)  Thirty  pounds,  the 
gift  of  Thomas  Jones  (2)  Five  pounds,  the 
gift  of  William  George  (3)  Five  pounds  the 
gift  of  Simon  Mathews.  Withthefe  helps  the 
income  of  the  miniiler  may  be  eafily  made  up 
forty  pounds  a  year.  The  families  belong- 
ieg  to  the  place  are  about  feventy.  The  mem-, 
bers  49.     Their  names  are  below*  .•     This  was 

*  Rev.  Jofhua  Jones,  John  Mathewi  and  Davii  Ste- 
phens, deac.  David  Stephens,  Evan  Stephens,  William 
Jam es, Mary  Jam es,  John  James,  John  W-liiaras,  Margaret 
Williams,  Walter  Sheweil,  Mary  Shewell,  Rebecka  But- 
ler, Diana  Mathews,  Sarah  James,  Mary  Mathews,  Re- 
becka Thomas,  Samuel  Jones,  Daniel  Jones,  William 
Bryan,  Rebecka  Bryan,  Rebecka  James,  Richard  Lee, 
Ann  Lee,  Catherine  Morgan,  Ifaac  Richards,  Thomas 
Jones,  Hannah  Jones,  Margaret  Lewis,  Thomss  Barton, 
Joieph  Barton,  Catherine  Evans,- Peter  Eaton,  Catherine 
.lie,  Lyoia  Eaton,  James  James,  Elizabeth  James, 
William  Dungau,  Catherine  Dungan,  Clement  Dcylev 
raret  Doyte,  Thomas  Humphrey,  Elizabeth  Pari-, 
£>avij  Jones,  Sarah  Lee,  Jane  Thomas,  Rachel  Dav:-7 
Caleb  Todd,  Lienor  Joi.cs. 


(  So  ) 
tie  ftate  of  the  church  in  1770.  As  for  its 
paft  flate  we  have  no  further  back  to  look  for 
it  than  1743.  To  that  year  the  people  in  this 
neighbourhood  had  been  a  branch  of  Montgo- 
mery; but  then  they  divided.  The  caufe  of 
the  divifion  was  a  propofal  for  a  new  meeting 
houfe  on  Leahy  hill,  which  fhould  be  central 
for  all  the  people.  This  project  Montgomery 
warmly  oppofed,  and  the  N  ewbritainers  as 
■warmly  urged  till  the  unhallowed  paffions  of 
Ipoth  were  ftirred  up.  There  was  alfo  a  diffe- 
rence fubfifting  among  them  touching  the  fon- 
Jhip  of  Chrift.  Some  grounding  the  character 
of/on  on  an  eternal  generation  ;  others  on  me- 
diation only  ;  but  both  allowing  his  perfonality, 
and  equality  with  the  father.  "A  controversy 
therefore  too  mconliderable  to  produce  the  ef- 
fects it  did  had  not  a  feparation  been  a  deter- 
mined point.  Accordingly  the  matter  was  fo- 
mented by  a  paper  that  was  afterwards  called 
Butler  s  creed.  How  the  controverfy  was  ma- 
naged may  be  feen  by  the  report  of  the  com- 
koittee  which  the  a/Tociation  had  'appointed  to 
examine  the  whole  affair,  dated^Noy.  7.  1744* 
and  figned  Nathaniel  Jenkins,  Owen  Thomas, 
Benjamin  S telle,  Thomas  Jones,  They  blame 
both  parties,  and  leave  it  doubtful  which  was 
mod  blameable.  However  a  divifion  took 
place  ;  one  party  having  Benjamin  Griffiths  at 
their  head  ;  the  other  Jofeph  Eaton  ;  each 
crying  "  the  temple  of  the  Lord  are  we  :  the 
"  effence  of  the  church  is  with  us."  Hence- 
forth they  acted  as  two  feparate  churches,  and 
fometimes  under  the  fame  roof.  Number  fa- 
voured the  claim  of  the  Newbritainers  ;  but 
they  quitting  the  houfe  in  1 J 44  the  fcale  lean- 


(   s?    ) 

ed  to  the  people  of  Montgomery^  claim.  Ne« 
verthelefs,  Newbritain  petitioned  for  a  difmii- 
fion,  and  Montgomery  granted  it.  The  one 
to  confirm  their  churchfiup  ;  the  other  to  get 
into  the  affociation.  At  the  divifion. about  fif- 
teen fided  with  neither  party  ;  tiieieiore  were 
called  Neutrals  ;  fome  of  which  belong  to  no 
vifible  church  to  this  day.  When  the  New- 
britainers  had  obtained  a  diimitlion  they  did 
formally  incorporate  Nov.  28.  1754  ;  but  were 
not  received  into  the  affociation  till  1755. 
Their  number  was  23.  Their  names  Jofeph 
Eaton,  Ifaac  Evans,  David  Stevens,  Evan  Ste- 
vens, John  Williams,  Walter  She  we  11.  Jofhu- 
ah  Jones,  William  George,  Clement  Doyle, 
William  Dungan,  John  James,  David  Mor- 
gan, Thomas  Jones,  David  Stevens.  Thomas 
Humphreys,  Mary  James.  Mary  Shewell,  Ma- 
ry James,  Margaret  Philips,  Elizabeth  Stevens, 
Jane  James,  Catherine  Evans,  Margaret 
Doyle.  No  very  remarkable  event  hath  hap- 
pened in  this  church,  except  their  disavowing 
the  nation  of  a  mediatorial  fonfhip.  The  mi- 
aifiers  which  they  have  had  are 

Rev.  Jofeph  Eaton . 

He  was  born  Aug.  25.  1679,  inthe  parim 
of  Nantmel  and  county  of  Radnor.  Came  to 
this  country  about  1686.  Was  called  to  the 
miniftry  at  Montgomery  in  1722.  Ordained 
Oct.  24.  1727.  Continued  in  the  joint  care  of 
that  church  to  the  divifion  in  1743,  an^  from 
that  time  to  his  death  was  miniiter  of  Newbri- 
tain.  HediedApr.  1.  1749,  and. was  buried 
Nkwbritaia,     He  married  Gwen  Morgan  by 


(  5*  ) 

whom  he  had  children,  John,  Jofeph,  George, 
Edward,  David,  Mary,  Joanna,  Sarah.  His 
fecond  wife  was  Una  Humphreys  ;  by  whom 
he  had  Ifaac  (now  miniiler  of  Hopewell)  Jacob, 
Hannah.  George  and  Jacob  died  childlefs ; 
Jofeph  is  not  married.  The  reft  formed  adv- 
ances with  the  Todds,  Youngs,  Davids  and 
Walls,  Williams,  Godrens,  Jones  and  Butlers 
and  Wilgus,  Stouts  and  Doyls,  and  have  raid- 
ed him  a  moil  numerous  progeny  of  grand  chil- 
dren. His  fuccelTor,  who  had  alfo  been  his 
colleague,  was 

Rev.  William  Davis. 

He  was  born  in  1695,  at  Caftellneth  in  Gla- 
morgandiire.  Game  to  this  country  firft  in 
1722  but  foon  went  back  again.  He  returned 
in  1737,  and  fettled  at  Vincent.  Thence  he 
removed  to  Newbritain,  and  had  the  joint  care 
of  the  church  to  his  death,  which  came  to  pafs 
..Oct.  3.  1768.  He  was  buried  at  James's  hun- 
dred in  Kent  county.  He  had  twTo  children, 
William  and  Mary  who  married  into  the  Evans 
and  Caldwell  families  and  have  rai fed  him  four- 
teen grand  children.  His  colleague  and  fuc- 
celTor was 

Rev,  Jojhaah  Jones. 

He  was  born  in  1721  in  the  parifh  of  New- 
caftle  and  county  of  Pembroke.  Arrived  in 
America* in  1726.  Was  ordained  at  Newbri- 
tain in  1 76 1,  and  has  had  the  fole  care  of  the 
chuixh  fince  Oct.  6,  1768. 


{     S3     ) 
KONOLO  W  A. 

This  is  the  tenth   and   yourigeft  church  in 
the  province  among  the  britiih  baptifts  who  ob- 
ferve  the-firft  day  of  the  week  for  fabbath.  ^  It 
takes    its  diilinction  from  Konoltnua  river,  nigh 
to  which  the  meeting  houle  ftands  in  Air  town- 
fhip,   Cumberland    county,     about   «2CO    miles 
whs  from  Philadelphia.     The    place   of  wor- 
ship is  22  feet  by  i8,   eretted  in  the  year   1752 
on  a   lot  of  50  acres  ;   towards  the  purcha ilng 
of  which  the  afibciacion  of  Philadelphia    con- 
tributed 12  I.   6,   1   in   1767.     With  this  KttU 
glebe  the  living   is  worth  about  30  1.   a  year  to 
the  prefent  minifter,  who  is  Rev.  Jofeph  Pow- 
ell.     He  was  born    at  Pennepek  in  the   county 
of  Philadelphia,  Mar.  6,    1734.     H*d  his  edu- 
cation at  Hopewell ;  where  alfo  he  was  ordain- 
ed in  1764  ;  and  thenceforth  became  minifter 
of  Kono&wa.     He  married  Rachel  Rofe  of  Jer- 
fey,  by   whom  he  has   children,  Mary,  Elea- 
nor, Anna.      The  families  belonging   to   the 
place  are   about   40,  wherof  30   *  perfons  are 
baptized  and  in  the  communion  of  the  church. 
This  was  their   ft  ate  in  1770.     They  ori- 
ginated in  the  following  manner.     In  the  year 
175 1    one  James  Dunn  preached  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood.    The  next  year  Rev.  Samuel  Hea- 

*  Their  names  are  Rev.  Jofeph  Powell  and  wife,  Eli- 
as  Btilwell,  James  Graham,  Robert  Eennet,  Martha 
Higgins,  Apn  Combes,  Mar}7  John,  David  Bowen,  Han- 
nah Bowen,  Thomas  John,  Jonathan  Harnet,  Catherine 
Harnet,  Jane  P.ofs,  Owen  Davy,  Hannah  Davy,  33avid 
Bowen,  S^rah  Bowen,  Edward  Combes,  Jeremiah  Stil- 
well,  Sarah  Evolt,  John  Mellot,  Sarah  Mellct,  Rachel 
Powell,  Mary  Biddlecom,  Elizabeth  Wiggins,  John  Blir- 
triJ^e,  Jounua  Rofc,  Thomas  Applegate. 


(  J4  ) 
ton  vifited  thofe  parts,  and  baptized  one  Elias 
Stilwell,  William  Lenn,  John  Graham,  James 
Graham,  Ifrael  Hines,  Sarah  Graham,  Ann 
Graham.  About  the  fame  time  one  Richard 
Abbot  (a  member  of  Montgomery  church)  fet- 
tled in  the  neighbourhood  ;  alfothefaid  Mr. 
Heaton  from  Milcreek.  Hitherto  they  were  a 
branch  of  Milcreek  church.  But  obtaining  a 
difmiffion  from  thence,  were  incorporated  in- 
to a  diftincl  fociety,  Aug.  25 .  1765  and  the 
fame  year  joined  the  affociation.  No  very  re- 
markable event  hath  happened  fmce  ;  only  they 
were  driven  away  from  their  habitations  the 
laft  war  by  the  Indians  ;  which,  when  the 
church  of  Philadelphia  heard  of,  they,  in  1763 
fent  25  I.  12,  6  to  their  relief.  The  church 
atprefent  is  in  a  declining  way  by  reafon  of  fa- 
milies removing  thence  towards  Redftone  creek 
on  Monongaheia^  where  a  church  is  like  to  be 
gathered  icon.  There  is  alfo  a  likelihood  that 
another  baptift  church  will  be  raifed  in  the  nor- 
thern liberties  of  Philadelphia. 

From  what  hath  been  written  it  appears  (1) 
That  there  are  in  Pennfylvania  about  650  fa- 
milies of  the  britifh  baptifts  who  obferve  the 
firft-day  fabbath  ;  which,  if  multiplied  by  5, 
•will  feem  to  contain  3252  fouls;  whereof  only 
668  are  baptized  (2)  That  there  are  ten  chur- 
ches of  fuch  baptifts  ;  to  which  appertain  18 
meeting  houfes  ;  and  only  11  minifters  (3) 
That  the  firft  conftituents  of  thofe  churches 
were  chiefly  emigrants  from  Wales,  or  their 
offspring  (4)  That  fome  of  the  firft  fettlers 
in  the  province  were  of  the  baptift  denom> 
sation, 


(     5>     ) 
PART       II. 

Treats  of  the  keithian  Baptijls. 

Soon  after  the  fettlement  of  Pennfylvania 
a  difference  arofe  among  the  Quakers  touch- 
ing The  fufficiency  of  ivhat  every  man  naturally 
has  nvithin  kimfelf  for  the  purpofe  of  his  onvn  falva- 
tion.  Some  denied  that  fufficiency,  and  con- 
fequently  magnified  the  external  Word,  Chrift 
&c  above  Barclay's  meafure.  Thefe  were  head- 
ed by  the  famous  George  Keith,  and  therefore 
called  keithians.  The  difference  rofe  to  a 
divifion  in  the  year  1691  when  feparate  meet- 
ings were  fet  up  in  diverfe  parts  of  the  country, 
and  a  general  one  at  Burlington  in  oppofitioa 
to  that  of  Philadelphia.  This  year  they  pub- 
lifhed  a  Confeffion  of  faith,  containing  twelve  ar- 
ticles much  in  Barclay's  ftrain,  and  figned  by- 
George  Keith,  Thomas  Budd,  John  Hart, 
Richard  Hilliard,  Thomas  Hooten  and  Henry 
Furnis  in  the  behalf  of  the  reft.  They  alfo 
publifhed  The  reafons  of  the  feparation  &c  figned 
by  the  fame  perfons  and  others  to  the  number 
of  48.  About  the  fame  time,  and  afterward 
were  publifhed  feveral  other  pieces*.     The  de- 

*  The  pieces  which  came  under  my  notice  are,  Ccpy 
of  the  judgment  againft  G.  Keith  &c.  Expojfulatiou  -with 
Samuel  Jennings,  Thomas  Loyd  &lc.  Plea  of  the  innocent 
&c.  Second  Expoftulation  &c.  Appeal  to  the  fpirit  of 
truth  Sec     7  innocence  againjl    calumny    and  defa- 

mation &c.  TcJIimony  again}}  opinions  &c.  Fundamental 
truths  &c.  Falfe  judgment  reprehended  &c.  Ar.fwcr  to 
n  from  Maryland  &c.  JuH  rebuke  &c.  DifcavetJ 
cf  hypocrify  &c.  Herefy  and  hatred  &c.  New  Eng- 
ine of  perfection  in  Pennfylvania  &c.  Serious 
appeal  &.C.     '  Spirit  of  the   hut  &c'. 


(     *6     ) 

Cgn  of  tliofe  publications  was  (i)  To  inform 
the  world  of  the  principles  of  the  feparate- 
Quakers.  (2)  To  fix  the  blame  of  the  fepara- 
tion  on  the  oppofite  party  ;  and  (3)  To  com- 
plain of  the  unfair  treatment,  flanders,  fines, 
imprifonments  and  other  fpecies  of  perfecution 
which  they  endured  from  their  brethren . — •- 
Whether  thefe  complaints  be  juft  or  not  is  nei- 
ther my  bufmefs  nor  inclination  to  determine. 
If  juft,  the  Quakers  have  alfo  fhown  <  That 
every  feci  would  perfecute  had  they  but  power'. 
I  know  but  one  exception  to  this  fatyrical  re- 
mark, and  that  is  the  Baptifts  ;  they  have  had 
civil  power  in  their  hands  in  Rhodeifland  go- 
vernment for  a  136  years,  and  yet  have  never 
abufed  it  in  this  manner,  their  enemies  tteoiv 
felves  being  judges.  And  it  is  remarkable  that 
John  Holmes  Efq,  (the  only  baptiftmagiftrate, 
in  Philadelphia  at  the  time  refered  to)  refufed 
to  act  with  the  Quaker  magiftrates  againft  the 
Keithians,  alledging  "  That  it  was  a  religious, 
«  difpute  and  therefore  not  tit  for  a  civil  court". 
Nay,  he  openly  blamed  the  court  (held  at  Phi- 
ladelphia Dec.  6 — 12,  1692)  for  ffefufmg  to 
admit  the  exceptions  which  the  prifoners  made 
to  their  jury.  However,  the  keithian  quakers 
foon  declined  ;  their  head  deferted  them  and 
went  over  to  the  Epifcopalians.  Some  follow- 
ed him  thither.  Some  returned  to  the  Penn, 
Quakers  ;  and  fome  went  to  other  focieties. 
Neverthelefs  many  perfifted  in  the  fepar-atioH, 
particularly  at  Upperprovidence  ;  at  Philadel- 
phia ;  at  Southampton;  and  at  Lowerdublin.. 
Thefe  by  refigning  themfetVes  to  the  guidance 
of  Scripture  began  to  find  water  in  the  com 


(  57  ) 
milTion  (a)  ;  bread  and  wine  in  the  command 
(e)  ;  community  of  goods,  love'feait,  kifs  of 
charity,  right  hand  of  fellowfhip,  anointing 
the  fick  for  recovery,  and  waihing  the  difci- 
ples  feet  in  other  texts  {J )  ;  and  therefore  were 
determined  to  praclife  accordingly 

The  fociety  of  Keithians  mo  ft-  forward  in 
thefe  matters  was  that  kept  at  the  houfe  .of 
Thomas  Powell  in  Upperprovidencc  ;  which 
forwardnefs,  it  is  faid,  was  owing  to  one  Abel 
Noble  who  vifited  them,  and  was  a  fevenihday- 
tift  minifter  when  he  arrived  in  this  country. 
The  time  they  began  to  put  their  defigns  in 
practice  was  Jun.  28.  1697  when  the  faid  Abel-j 
Noble  baptized  a  public  Friend  (whofe  name! 
was  Thomas  Martin)  in  Redley  creek.  After-/ 
wards  Mr.  Martin  baptized  other  Quakers  \\z 
Thomas  Powell,  Evan  Harry,  Hugh  Harry, 
John  Palmer,  Judith  Calvert,  Alee  YeftaJ, 
Thomas  Budd,  Richard  Dungworth,  John 
Powell,.  David  Thomas,  John  Hannum,  Mar- 
gery Hannum,  Margery  Martin,  Mary  Palmer, 
Elizabeth  Powell,  JohnBeckingham.  To  them 
joined  one  William  Beckingham  who  broke  o/F 
from  the  church  of  Cohanfey.  Thefe  19  per- 
fons  did,  October  12,  1697,  incorporate;  and 
proceeded  to  choofe  a  miniiter  by  lot.  Three 
were  put  in  nomination,  William  Beckingham, 
Thomas  Budd,  Thomas  Martin  ;  the  lot  fell 
on  the  laft,  who  the  fame  day  adminiftred  the 
Lord's  fupper  to  them  for  the  flrft  time  From 
that    day   forth   other  keithian  quakers   were 


(a)  Math,  xxviii.  19  (^)    Math.    xxvi.    16 — ?q. 

(1)  Aft.  ii.  41 — 47.  Jud.  iz.     Rom,  xvi.  iC .  Cul.  ii.  9, 
Joh.  xiii.     Jam.  v.    14—  id 


(  58  ) 
j baptized,  Ann  Compton,  Samuel  Miles,  Han- 
nah Brunfdun,  William  Thomas,  Richard  Buf- 
fington,  Elizabeth  Thomas,  Jane  Phillips,  Ed- 
ward Lane,  Edward  Edwards,  James  Plumley, 
David  Phillips,  Elizabeth  Paviour,  Mary  Clark, 
Elizabeth  Hall,  Rees  Price  &c,  fome  of  which 
lived  in  other  parts  of  the  country.  But  m 
1 700  a  difference  arofe  among  them  touching 
the  fabbath  which  broke  up  the  fociety.  Such 
as  adhered  to  the  obfervation  of  the  feventh 
day  kept  together  at  Newtown,  where  fome  of 
their  pofterity  are  to  this  day.  The  reft  lay 
fcattered  in  the  neighbourhood  till  Mr.  Abel 
Morgan  gathered  together  1.5  oi  them,  and 
formed  them  into  a  fociety,  now  called  the 
Church  ofBrandinvine.     See  p.  29. 

Another  fociety  of  keithian  quakers  who 
kept  together  was  that  of  Philadelphia,  where 
they  builded  a  meeting  houfe  in  1692.  Of 
thefe,  two  public  perfons  were  baptized  in 
1697  by  Rev.ThomasKillingworth  of  Cohanfey 
Their  names  were  William  Davis  and  Thomas 
Rutter.  The  firft  joined  Pennepek  ;  the  other 
kept  preaching  in  Philadelphia  where  he  bap- 
tized one  Henry  Bernard  Kofter,  Thomas 
Peart,  and  feven  others  whofe  names  are  not 
on  record.  Thefe  9  perfons  united  in  commu- 
nion June  12,  1698,  having  Thomas  Rutter  to 
their  minifter.  They  increafed  and  continued 
together  for  9  years.  But  fome  removing  to 
the  country,  and  the  unbaptized  keithians  fall- 
ing off,  the  fociety  in  a  manner  broke  up  in 
1707  ;  for  then  the  few  that  remained  invited 
the  regular  baptifts  to  join  them,  and  were  in- 
corporated with  them 

A  third  fociety   of  keithian  quakers  was  at 


(     59     ) 

Southampton  in  Bucks  county,  kept  at  the 
houfe  of  oue  John  Swift.  Their  preacher  was 
John  Hart.  In  1697  faid  John  Hart,  John 
Swift,  Evan  Morgan  and  others  were  baptiz- 
ed by  the  forementioned  Mr.  Thomas  Rutter. 
Evan  Morgan  joined  Pennepek  the  fame  year  ; 
the  reft  kept  together  to  1702,  and  then  fol- 
lowed the  iteps  of  Evan  Morgan 

The  other  fociety  of  keithian  quakers  was 
that  in  Lowerdublin  towniliip,  kept  at  the  houfe 
of  Abraham  Pr  itt.  One  of  thefe,  John  Wells, 
became  a  baptift  Sep.  27,  1697.  The  next 
year  Mr.  William  Davis  joined  them,  being  put 
out  of  the  church  of  pennepek  for  herefy.  In 
1699  and  afterwards  others  were  baptized,  as 
David  Price  and  wife,  Abraham  Pratt  and  wife, 
Richard  Wanfell,  Margaret  Davis,  Martha 
Deal,  Peter  Deal,  PJchard  Wells,  Richard 
Sparks,  Nicholas  Afhmead,  Alexander  Bab- 
cock,  Sec.  Thefe  united  in  communion  afer 
the  manner  of  their  brethren  at  Upperprovi- 
dence,  having  William  Davis  to  their  minifter. 
But  they  had  not  been  long  a  fociety  before 
the  fame  queftion  d\  ided  them,  as  in  Chefter 
county.  Thofe  who  preferred  the  feventii  day 
were  William  Dav.'s,  their  preacher;  the  Wells 
the  Wanfels,  the  Pratt ;,  the  Afhmeads,  Sec. 
Thefe  met  by  tbemfelves  ;  and  In  170.2  biu't  a 
place  of  worfhip  in  Oxford  townfliip.  But  th  eir 
preacher,  WilliamDavis,  leaving  the  1  71 1; 

and  their  meeting  houfe  being  taken  trom  them 
they  became  as  fhecp  without  a  fhepherd. 
Thofe  who  adhere!  to  the  obfervance  of  the 
firltday  fabbath  joined  Penn^.  .k 

Thus  havt  we  fctn  that-  the  keithian  q**?.kers 
ended  in  a  hind  cf  transformation  into  keithian 


(  6o  ) 
btpnjls  ;  they  were  ajfo  called  quaker  bapiijt}^ 
feecnufe  they  ftill  retained  the  language,  drefs, 
and  manners  of  the  quakers.  We  have  feen 
alfo  that  the  keithian  or  quaker  baptifts  ended 
in  another  kind  of  transformation  into feventb- 
day  baptifts  ;  though  fome  went  among  the 
firftday  baptifts  and  other  focieties.  However 
thefe  were  the  beginning  of  the  Sabbatarians 
m  this  province.  A  confeflion  of  faith  was 
publifhed  by  the  keithian  baptifts  in  1697  :  it 
confifts  chiefly  of  the  articles  in  the  Apoftles  creed. 
The  additions  are  articles  which  relate  to  bap- 
tifm  by  immerfion  ;  the  Lord's  fupper  ;  diftin- 
gni ihing  days  and  months  by  numerical  names; 
plainncfs  of  language  and  drefs  ;  not  fwearing ; 
not  fighting  &c. 

PART     I1L 

'Treats  of  the  f event h day  baptifts. 

These,  it  is  well  known,  receive  their  dif- 
tinclion  from  the  day  of  the  week  they  obferve 
for  holy  reft.  The  characters  of  general  and 
particular  divide  them  in  this  province,  few  as 
they  are.  They  originated  from  the  keithian 
baptifts  in  1700,  as  has  been  obferved  before, 
who  were  general  in. their  fentiments  touching 
the  redemption  of  Chrift.  Before  that  time  I 
can  find  but  one  feventhday  baptift  in  Pennfyl- 
vania  viz  Mr.  Able  Noble.  He  arrived,  it  is 
faid,  in  the  year  1684.  His.  name  is  among 
the  forty  eight  who  figne'd  the  reafons  of  the 
keithian  feparation  in  1691.  By  him  was  the 
firft  keithian  baptized  in    1697  :  and  by  hino. 


(     6i     ) 

\w'£  the  reft  gained  over  to  the  obfervance  of 
the  feventh  day.  I  fuppofe  therefore  he  may  be 
called  the  father  of  them  in  this  part  of  Ame- 
rica. The  congregation  of  german  baptifts  at 
Tunkerftown,  who  obferve  the  feventh  day,  owe 
their  peculiarity  in  that  point  to  this  man. 
But  more  of  thefe  hereafter  :  at  preient  wc 
have  only  to  do  vtith  the  britijh  feventhday 
baptifts.  Of  thefe  there  be  four  focieties  in  the 
province. 

The  firft  fociety  we  ftiall  mention  is  that  at 
Newtown  in  Upperprovidence,  Chefter  county, 
about  24  miles  wbs  from  Philadelphia.  The 
meeting  is  kept  at  the  houfe  of  David  Thomas. 
Three  families  belong  to  this  place  ;  whereof 
the  folio  win;;*  perfons  are  baptized,  David 
Thomas,  John  German,  Hazael  Thomas, 
Ruth  Thomas,  PrifcilJa  Wane,  Elizabeth 
Wane,  Mary  Gilky.  This  was  their  ftate  in 
1770  They  originated  in  1700  inthemanner 
defcribed  in  page  58  ;  but  their  miniftersmef- 
fieurs  Martin,  Beckingham  and  Budd  dying, 
and  none  rifmgin  their  ftead  they  are  reduced. 
to  a  fmall  handful 

The  next  fociety  of  them  is  at  Penntpek  in 
Lowerdublin,  county  of  Philadelphia,  about 
9  miles  neIin  from  the  city.  The  meeting  is 
held  at  the  houfe  of  Benjamin  Tomlinfon,  e- 
very  fecond  fabbath,  by  Mr.  Enoch  David. 
The  families  belonging  to  this  fociety  are  e- 
leven  ;  thereof  the  following  perfons  are  bap- 
tized, Samuel  Wells,  Richard  Tomlinfon  and 
wife,  Job  Noble  and  wife,  Elizabeth  Weft, 
Mary  Keen,  Rebecka  Dungan,  Enoch  David. 
was  their  (late  in  1770.  They  originated 
in  the  manner  defcribed  in  page  59  abQUt 


(       62       ) 

year  1701.     But  their  minifters,  William  Da- 
vis and    Thomas   Rutter  quitting  them,-  and 
none   other  rifing  in  their  (lead  they  are    re- 
duced at  prefent  to  9  fouls.     In  the  year  1702 
I  they  built  a  meeting  houfe  on  a  lot  given  them 
j  by  Thomas   Graves;  but  they   neglecting   to 
j  take  a  conveyance  in  due  time,  the   epifcopali- 
-(  ans  have  got  both  the  lot  and  houfe.     On  the 
lot  they  have  built  Oxford  church,  and  turned 
the  baptift  meeting  houfe  to  a  (table  while  it 
flood,  but  now  it  is  no  more 

The  third  fociety  of  them  is  at  Nottwghamm 
Chefter  county,  about  50  miles  ssw  from  Phi- 
ladelphia. The  meeting  is  kept  fometimes  at 
the  houfe  of  Abigail  Price  in  faid  Nottingham, 
but  chiefly  at  the  houfe  of  Samuel  Bond  in 
Cecil  county,  in  the  province  of  Maryland. 
The  families  to  which  Nottingham  is  central 
are  fix  ;  whereof  8  perfons  are  baptized  viz 
Daniel  Ofborn,  Jofeph  Ofborn,  Samuel  Bond, 
Richard  Bond,Richard  Clayton,  Abigail  Price, 
Ann  Bond,  Mary  Bond.  Here  a  yearly  meet- 
ing is  kept  on  the  laft  fabbath  in  Auguft.  This 
was  their  ftate  in  1 770,  They  originated  from 
the  keithians  at  Upperprovidence  as  defcribed 
in  page  58.  But  having  no  minifter  among 
them,  and  lying  wide  one  of  another  they  have 
not  increafed. 

The  other  fociety  of  them  is  at  Frenchcreek  in 
Eaft  Nantmel  tow'nfhip,  county  of  Chefter,  a- 
bout  32  miles  Nwbw  from  Philadelphia.  Here 
is  a  meetinghoufe,  30  feet  by  22, built  in  1762, 
on  a  lot  of  one  acre,  the  gift  of  David  Rogers. 
The  families  belonging  to  the  place  are  fix; 
whereof  10  perfons  are  baptized,  Philip  Tho- 
mas,   Gwen  Griffiths,  David    Rogers,    Abel 


(  *3  ) 
Griffiths,  James  Roberts,  William  Griffiths, 
Daniel  Griffiths,  Owen  Hughs,  Edward 
Hughs  and  Ann  Hughs.  They  have  no  ftated 
worfhip  in  this  houfe,  though  it  be  the  only 
one  belonging  to  the  fabbatarians.  This  was 
their  ftate  in  1770.  They  originated  in  the 
year  1726,  when  the  following  perfons  broke 
off  from  the  Greatvalley  church  on  account  of 
their  change  of  fentiments  concerning  the  fab- 
bath,  Philip  Davis,  Lewis  Williams,  Richard 
Edwards,  Griff y  Griffiths  ;  and  the  next  year 
William  James.  Thefe  five,  with  their  families 
removed  to  French  creek  in  the  fore  faid  year. 
Philip  Davis  and  Lewis  Williams  did  preach  a- 
mong  them,  and  after  them,  John  Brayman  ; 
but  for  fometime  paft  they  have  been  as  fheep 
without  a  fhepherd 

Thus  have  we  feen  (1)  That  there  are  in 
Pennfylvania  of  the  feventh-day  baptifts  26  fa- 
milies containing  about  130  fouls,  allowing  5 
to  a  family  ;  whereof  31  are  baptized.  (2) 
That  they  originated  from  the  keithian  bap- 
tifts about  the  year  1 700  by  means  of  Abel  No- 
ble (3)  That  they  have  two  yearly  meetings  ; 
and  one  meeting  houfe.  To  which  we  may 
add,  that  they  have  one  minifter.     He  is 

Rev.  Enoch  David. 

He  was  born  Feb.  22.  1718  at  Duckcreek  in 
the  county  of  Kent.  Went  amctog  the  Indians 
in  1740.  Called  to  the  miniftry,  at  Welfhtract, 
in  1 7  5 1 .  Embraced  the  fentiments  of  the  Sab- 
batarians in  1752.  Ordained  Oct.  16.  1769. 
He  has  had  four  wives,  by  whom  he  has 
children,  Marian,  Ebenezer,  Sufanna,  Eliaffiib, 


-I 


(  h  ) 

Zedekiah,  Elizabeth,  Daniel,  Owen.     Ebene- 
#er  is  now  at  Rhodeifland  college. 

PART       IV. 

"Treats  of  the  Germans  in  Pennfyhania 
who  are  commonly  called  Tunkers, 
to  dtftinguifh  them  from  /^Menno- 
nists;  for  both  are  fly  led  2)ie  ^tillfeC 
or  Baptifts. 

They  are  called  Tankers  in  derifion  which 
is  as  much  as  to  fay  Sops,  from  tunken  to  pat  a 
morfel  into  fauce  ;  but  as  the  term  fignifies  Dip- 
pers they  may  red  content  with  the  nick-name, 
fince  it  is  the  fate  of  Baptifts  in  all  countries  to 
bear  fome  crofs  or  other.  They  are  alio  call- 
ed Tumblers,  from  the  manner  in  which  they 
.perform  baptifm,  which  is  by  putting  the  par- 
ty's head  forward  under  water  (while  kneel- 
ing) fo  as  to  referable  the  motion  of  the  body- 
in  the  action  of  tumbling.  The  Germans 
found  the  letters  t  and  b  like  d  and  p  ;  hence 
the  words  Tankers  and  Tumblers  have  been  cor- 
ruptly written  Bunkers  and  Dumpier 7.  The 
firfl  appearing  of  thefe  people  in  America  was 
in  the  fall  of  the  year  17  19  when  about  twenty 
families  landed  in  Philadelphia,  and  difperfed 
themfelves,fome  toGermantown,  fome  to  Skip- 
peck,  fome  to  Oley,  fome  to  Conneftogo  and 
^lfewhere.  This  difperfion.  incapacitated- them 
to  meet  for  public  worfhip;  and  therefore  they 
foon  began  to  grow  lukewarm  iri<religion.  But 
in  the  year    1722   mcflleurs   Baker,   Gomery, 


(     65     ) 

<7antz  and  the  Traatzs   viiktd  their  fcattered 

hren  which  was  attended  with  a  great  re- 
vival, in  fe  much  that  focieties  were  formed 
wherever  a  number  of  families  were  within 
reach  one  of  another.  But  this  lafted  not  a* 
hove  three  years.     They  fettled  on   their    lees 

in,  till  about  thirty  families  more  of  their 
perfctuted  brethren  arrived  in  the  fall   of  the 

'  1729,  which  both  quickened  them  again, 
und  increafed  their  number  every  where.  — 
Thefe  two  companies  had  been  members  of  one 
and  the  fame  church,  which  originated  at 
Schwardzenau  in  the  year  1708.  The  firit 
conftituents  were  Alexander  Mack  and  wife, 
John  Kipin  and  wife,  George  Grevy,  Andreas 
Pihoney,  Lucas  Fetter  and  Joanna  Nethigeim. 
Thefe  had  been  bred  prefbyterians,  except  Kip- 
in who  was  a  lulheran  ;  and,  being  neighbours, 
they  conforted  together  to  read  the  bible,  and 
edify  one  another  in   the  way  they   had  been 

tight  up  ;  for  as  yet  they  did  not  know  that 
there  were  any  baptifts  in  the  world.  However, 
believer's  baptifm  and  a  congregational  church 
foon  gained  upon  them,  in  ib  much  that  they 
were  determined  to  obey  the  gofpel  in  thefe 
natters.  They  defired  Alexander  Mack  to  bap- 
tize them  ;  but  he  deeming  himfelf  in  reality 
unbaptized,  refufed.  U^un  which  they  call 
i<>  find  who  fhould  be  admiiiiilratnr.     On 

no  the  lot  fell  hath  been  carefully  concealed. 
Kov  prized    they  were  in  the   river  E- 

mau  ;  and  then  fofn 
feives    into   a  church  ;     choofmg     / 

k  to  be  rheirminirUr.  T 
and  began  to  fpread  'heir  branch 

a   and    Epftcin,  having   John  Naafs,  and 


(     66    ) 

Oiriftian  Levy  to  their  minifters  in  thofe  pfo* 
^ces.  But  perfecution  quickly  drave  them  thence, 
ibme  to  Holland,  and  fome  to  Creyfelt.     Soon 
after  the  mother  church   voluntarily  removed 
from  Schwardzena.il  to  Seruftervin  in  Frizland; 
;and  from  thence  migrated  towards  America  in 
1719.    And  in  1729  thofe  of  Cr.ey.felt  and  Hol- 
land followed  their    brethren.    -  Thus   we  fee 
that    all    the    Tunker    churches  in   America 
fprang  from  the  church  of  Schwa.rdzenau   in 
Germany;  that  that  church   began  in    1708 
with    only   feven  fouls,  and  that  in  a   place 
where  no  baptifis  had  been  in  the  memory  of 
man,  nor  any  now  are.     In  62  years  that  little 
one  is  become  a  tboufand,  and  that  fmall  one  a  great 
nation.     It  is  very  hard  to  give  a  true   account 
.of  the  principles  , of  thefe  Tunkers  as  they  have 
not  publifhed  any  fyftem  or  creed,  except  what 
two  individuals  have  put  forth  ;  which  have 
not  been  publicly   avowed.     However,   I  may 
afTert  the  following   things   concerning   them 
from  my  own  knowledge.      They  are  general 
baptifis  in  the  fenfe  which  that  phrafe  bears  in 
Greatbritain  ;  but  not  Arians  nor  Sociiians,   as 
moil  of  their  brethren  in  Holland  are.    General 
redemption  they  certainly  hold  ;  and,  withall, 
general  falvation  ;  which  tenets  though  wrong 
are   confident .     They  ufe  great  plainnefs   of 
language  and  drefs,  like  the  Quakers  5    and 
like  them  will   neither  fwear  nor  fight.     They 
will  not  go  to  law  ;  nor  take    intereft  for  the 
money  they  lend.     They  commonly  wear  their 
f  beards ;  and  keep  the  firft  day  fabbath,  except 
!  one  congregation.     They  have  the  Lord's  fup- 
j  per   with   its  ancient  attendents   of  love-feafis, 
1  wafting  feet,  kifs   of  charity,    and  right  hand  of 


(    67     ) 

feilfiwfJnp.     They  anoint  the   Tick  with    oil  fW' 
recovery  ;   and  ufe  the  trhte  im7?ierfion>  with  lay- 
ing on  of  hands  and  prayer,  even  while  the  per- 
fon  baptized  is  in  the  water  ;   which  may  eafi- 
ly  be  done  as  the  party  kneels  down  to  be  bap- 
tized ;   and   continues  in  that  pofture  till  both 
prayer  and  impofition  of  hands  be  performed. 
But  though  their  baptiim  be  well  contrived  for 
trine  immerfion,  yet  it  lofes  the  refemblance  of 
a'  burial.     Their  church  government  and  disci- 
pline are  the  fame  with  thofe  of  theenglifh  bap- 
tiils  ;   except  that  every   brother   is   allowed  to  j 
(land  up  in  the  congregation  to  fpeakin  a  way  j 
of  exhortation  and  expounding  ;  and  when  by! 
thefe  means  they  find  a  man  eminent  for  know- 
ledge and  aptnefs-  to  teach,  they  choofe   him  to 
be  a  minifler,  and  ordain  him  with  impofition  ' 
©f  hands,  attended  with  fafting  and  prayer  and  j 
giving   the    right    hand  of  fellowfhip.     They 
alio  have  deacons-  ;  and  ancient  widows  for  dea-  I 
Conejfes ;  '  and  exhort ers  ;    who  are  licenced  to  ufe  j 
their  gifts  ftatedly.     They  pay  not  their  mini-  ' 
fters  unlefs  it  be  in  a  way  of  prefents,  though  ! 
they  admit  their  right  to  pay  ;   neither  do  the  1 
minifters    affert  the    right,    efteeming    it    foore  \ 
hiejfsd  to  give  than  to  receive.     Their  acquaintance  \ 
with  the  bible  is  admirable.     In  a  word,    they 
are  meek  and  pious  chriftians  ;   and  have  juftly 
acquired  the  character  of  the  Harmlefs  Tunkers. 
Of  thefe    there  are,    in  Pennfylvania,  feveral 
congregations.     Here  follow  fome  accounts  of 
them,  and  of  their  preachers.     Thofe  in  other 
provinces  fhall    be  fpoken  of  hereafter.    (  The 
t  fociety  of  this  people  is  that  at 


(   6$  y 

BEGGARSTOW  N. 

This  takes  its  diftin&ion  from  a  little  village 
of  the  above  name,  in  the  townfhip  of  Ger- 
mantown,  eight  miles  Nqw  from  the  city.  The 
meeting  houfe  is  of  ftone,  30  feet  fquare,  e- 
recled  this  year,  on  a  lot  of  eighty  rods,  the 
gift  of  one  Peter  Shilbert.  On  the  fame  lot 
ftands  their  old  building  erected  by  one  John 
Pettikoffer  for  his  dwelling  houfe  in  1 73  i  ;  and 
becaufe  it  was  the  firft  houfe  in  the  place,  and 
erected  by  a  beggar,  the  village  ailumed  the 
name  of  B-eggarjionvn.  The  families  belonging 
to  this  congregation  are  about  30  ;  whereof 
57  *  perfons  are  baptized  and  in  the  communi- 
on of  the  church.  This  was  their  date  in  1770. 
For  their  beginning  we  have  no  further  back  to 
look  than  Dec-  25  1723  when  the  following 
perfons  (fame  baptized  in  Germany  and  fome 
in  this  country)  formed  themfelves  into  a  fo- 
ciety,  having  Mr.  Peter  Baker  to  their  minifter  ; 
znd  had  the  Lord's  fupper  and  love  feafl  &e 

*  Alexander  Mack  minift.  with  his  wife  and  daughter, 
Chriftopher  Sower  exh,  with  his  wife  and  fon,  Margaret 
Boyer  dtac.  George  Shriber  and  wife,  Henry  Slingluffand 
two  daughters,  Philip  Weaver  and  wife,  Peter  Lybert. 
and  wife,  John  Slingluffand  wife,  Henry  SlinglufF,  An- 
thony Snyder  and  wife,  Richard  Roob,  Michael  Keyfer, 
Ptter  Keyfer  and  wife,  Jacob  Bowman  and  wife,  Juftus 
Pox  and  wife,  John  Kiroe,  Conrad  Good,  Conrad  Stamm 
and  wife,  Hannah  Starnm,  Mary  Baker,  Sarah  Baker, 
Safannah  Baker,  Eve  Fith,  Elizabeth  Boyer,  Mary  Hoi- 
jert,  Margavet  Herfzbaek,  Magdalen  Mellingcr,  Eliza- 
beth Roob,  ChrKr?an  de  Laf  het  and  wife,  William  Spy- 
ra  and  wife,  Nathaniel  Shrybcr,  Xatherme  Shryber,  Hen- 
ry Sharpneck  and  wife,  Mary  Nyfe,  Rudolph  Haly  and 
wife,  Mary  Fend*  S^beik  Eat, 


(  6?  ) 

far  the  fir  ft  time  ;  and  the  firft  time  they  were 
celebrated  by  them  in  the  province.  Their 
names  were  Mr.  Peter  Baker,  Henri ck  Traut, 
Henry  Holzapfel,  Johannes  Gomery,  Jeremi- 
ah Traut,  Balfer  Traut,  Stephen  Koch,  Jo- 
hannes Hiidebrand,  Daniel  Ritter,  George 
Balfer  Gans,  Jacob  Koch,  John  Preis,  John 
Kempfer,  Magdaiina  Traut,  Anna  Gomery, 
Maria  Hiidebrand,  and  Joanna  Gans.  From 
this  fmall  beginning  with  16  perfons  they  have 
in  47  years  mcreafei  to  the  number  of  57.  No 
other  remarkable  event  had  happened  in  this 
congregation.     The  minifter  they  hxft  had  was 

Rev.  Peter  Baker. 

He  was  born  in  1687  at  Dilfheim  in  Ger- 
many. Educated  a  prefbyterian.  Embraced: 
the  principles  of  the  baptifls  in  1 7 1 4.  Arrived 
in  this  country  in  17 19.  Settled  with  the 
church  of  Beggarflown  in  1723.  Went  to 
Skippek  in  1747  where  he  died  and  was  buried 
Mar.  19.  1758.  lie  married  Dorothy  Part- 
man  by  whom  he  had  two  daughters,  Mary 
and  Elizabeth  who  married  into  the  Heerly  and 
Stump  families  and  have  raifed  him  15  grand 
children.  Whatever  his  real  character  was- 
yet  this  may  be  faid  of  him,  He  laboured  more 
abundantly  than  all  his  cotemporaries.  His 
fucceflor  who  had  been  alio  his  colleague  was 

Rev.  Alexander  Mack. 

He  was  born  in  the  year  1680  at  Schrifbeim 
in  Germany,  Was  educated  a  Caiviniit.  Em- 
braced the  baptift  principles  in  1 708.     Arrived 


('  ft  ) 

fo  this  country  with  many  ©f  his  congregation 
in  1729,  and  became  a  mmifler  of  Beggarftown 
the  fame  year.  Died  in  1735  and  was  buried 
at  German  town.  He  married  Anna  Margare- 
ta  Kling  by  whom  he  had  children,  Valentine, 
John,  Alexander,  (now  minifter  of  Beggarf- 
town)  who  married  into  the  Hildebrand, 
Sneider  and  Nife  families  and  have  raifed  him 
many  grand  children.  His  fourth  chiid  was 
Anna,  now  a  fingle  filler  at  Ephrata.  Mr. 
Mack  was  a  man  of  real  piety.  He  had  a 
handfome  patrimony  at  Schrifheim,  with  a 
profitable  mill  and  vineyards  thereon,  but  fpent 
all  in  raifing  and  maintaining  his  church  at 
Schwardzenau  whereof  he  was  father,  and  the 
father  of  all  the  Tunkers.  His  fucceffor  is  his 
cwn  font 

Rev.  Alexander  Mack. 

He  was  born  at  Schwardzenau,  Jan.  28. 
1*712.  Baptized  in  1728.  Arrived  to  Ameri- 
ca in  1729.  Ordained  in  17493  at  which  time 
he  took  on  him  the  care  of  the  church.  He 
married  Elizabeth  Nife,  by  whom  he  has  chil- 
dren, William,  Sarah,  Hannah,  Lydia,  Eliza- 
beth, Margaret.  Mr.  Mack  is  a  fmcere  good" 
man.     Affiftant  to  him  is 

Rev.  Chrijlopker  Sower. 

He  was  born,  Sep.  26r  1721,  atLafphe  in 
Witgeinftein.     Bred  a  prefbyterian.     Game  to 
this  country  in  1724.     Baptized. in  1737.     Or- 
dained Jun.  10.  1753,     He  married  Catherine-: 
Sharpnexk  by  whom  he  has  children,   Chrifta* 


(    7i     ) 

plicr,  DanieJ,  Peter,   Catherine,  Either,    Da- 
vid,  Samuel.     The  next  church  to  this  is 

GREATSWAMP. 

This*  fociety  is  diftinguiflied  by  the  above 
name,  which  is  the  name  of  a  tracl  ofland  call- 
ed the  Greatfwamp.  The  meeting  is  kept  at 
the  houfe  of  Mr.  John  Frick  in  Uppermilford 
townlhip,  in  the  county  of  Bucks,  about  40 
miles  Nqw  from  Philadelphia.  The  families 
belonging  to  the  fociety  are  about  20  whereof 
28  *  perfons  are  baptized.  Thus  Mood  things 
with  them  in  1 7  70.  Their  beginning  was  in  this 
manner.  In  the  year  1733  one  Salome  Miller 
,and  Jofeph  Miller  her  brother,  John  Brechand 
wife,  Peter  Longanacre  and  Peter  Rhode  wTere 
baptized  by  Mr.  John  Naafs.  In  1735  were 
baptized,  by  Mr  Peter  Baker  and  Mr.  Martin 
Urner,  one  Hanfe  Zuk  and  wife,  John  Slei- 
fer,  and  John  Frick  and  wife  ;  and  the  fame 
•time  had  tkeLord's  fupper  adminiitred  to  them 
by  Mr  Peter  Baker.  This  was  the  period  of 
their  exiftence  as  a  fociety  ;  and  1 1  their  num- 
ber. They  have  exifted  for  35  years  without 
any  remarkable  event,  except  that  count  Zein- 
zendorf  took  away  fome  of  them  in  the  year 
j 752.     At  firft  they  were  vifited  by  miniiters 

*  John  Frick  exhor.  and  wife,  Laurence  Erboch  and 
wife,  Andrew  Meinzinger,  John  Demnd  and  wife,  John 
fileifer  and  wife,  Henry  Kun,  Philip  Goodman  apd  wife, 
Philip  Deal,  Frederick  Deal,  John  Redroch  and  wife, 
Fgite  Chriflian  and  wife,  Lodowick  Chriitian  and  wife, 
Jacob  Staut  and  wife,  Mary  Christian,  widow  Rinkcr, 
Catherine  Rinker,  widow  Olinger,  widow  Cray  ling,  Fre- 
jiy  Triffch 


(  V  ) 

from  other  parts,  and  increased  faft.  Several 
of  the  Mennonifte  joined  them.  But  fmce  that 
time  the  increafe  has  been  inconfiderable.  The 
firit  fettled  minifter  they  had  was 

Rev,  Abraham   Dubvy, 

He  was  born  in  1679  at  Epftein  in  Germany, 
Bred  a  prefbyterian.  Embraced  the  principles 
of  the  baptifts  in  17 12.  Came  to  America  in 
1728.  Settled  atPerkiomen  ;  and  from  thence 
went  to  the  Greatfwamp  in  1738,  where  he  di- 
/ed  and  was  buried  Mar.  21.  1748.  Since 
that  time  Mr  John  Frick  hath  preached  to 
them  ;  but  is  not  ordained.  The  next  church 
is 

COVENTRY. 

This  takes  its  diftinclion  from  the  townfliip 
where  mod  of  the  members  refide,  m  the  coun- 
ty of  Chefter,  37  miles  Nwhw  from  Philadel- 
phia. Coventry  is  on  the  banks  of  Schuylkil, 
appofite  to  Potfgrove,  Thefe  people  have  no 
public  place  of  worfhip,but  ho-d  their  meetings 
in  a  kind  of  rotation  at  five  private  houies. 
The  prefent  minifter  "is  Mr.  Martin  Urner  ;  who 
has  to  his  affiftant  Mr.  Peter  Reinhart.  The 
families  belonging  to  them  are  about  22,  where- 
of 40  #  perfons  are  baptized.     This  was  their 

*  Martin  Urner  mhilf.  and  wife,  Peter  Reinhart  exhor. 
Owen  F^einhart,  Henry  Dalker  and  wife,  Nicholas  Har- 
-wick  and  wife,  Abraham  Grub  and  wife,  Chriitiari  Mo:i- 
fieur,  Barbara  Miller,  Barbara  Welty,  Frederick  Rein- 
hart and  wife,  Barbara  Urner,  Elizabeth'  Ingles,  Cathe- 
rine Grismbacker,  (Ltfieriiie  Boch,   John  Eiker,  Jacob 


(  73  ) 
ftate  in  1770.  For  their  original  we  mud  lock 
"back  to  1724  when  one  Daniel  Eiker  and  wife, 
Henry  Landis  and  wife,  Peter  Heffly,  Martin 
Urner,  Owen  Langanacre  and  Andrew  Sell 
(who  had  been  baptized  before)  did  unite  to  ce- 
lebrate the  Lord's  fupper  and  to  walk  together 
in  love,  having  Rev.  Peter  Baker  to  their  affif- 
tance.  They  increafed  faft,  and  would  now  be 
a  very  large  fociety  had  not  fo  many  families 
gone  away  to  Virginia,  Carolina  and  other 
parts.     The  firft  minifter  they  had  was 

Rev.  Peter  Urner 

He  was  born  in  Alface  about  the  year  i6o£, 
and  was  bred  a  prefbyterian.  He  came  to  A- 
merica  in  1715.  Embraced  the  principles  of 
the  Baptifts  in  1722.  Was  ordained  by  Rev. 
Alexander  Mack  in  1729,  at  which  time  he  took 
on  him  the  overfight  of  the  church.  He  died 
in  1755  and  was  buried  in  the  grave  yard  at 
Coventry.  His  wife  was  Catherine  Reift  by 
whom  he  had  children  Mary,  Martin,  Jacob. 
Thefe  married  into  the  Woolf,  Edis  and  Light 
families.  Afllftant  to  Mr.  Urner  was  one  Caf- 
per  Ingles.     The  next  and  prefent  minifter  is 

Rev.  Mart  hi  Urner 

He  is  nephew  to  the  fore  mentioned  Martin 
Urner.     Was  born  1725  in  Newhanover  town- 

Pfauts  and  wife,   Abraham  Boch,   Andrew   Woolf,    Eaft- 
her  Switfer,   Wendle  Danfelfer,    Henry   Bear   and   wife 
Jacob  Sweitfer   and  wife,  Maud    Reinharth,   Jacob  Light 
and  wife,  Philip  Waggoner  and  wife,    Eliz.  Holderman, 
Anthony  Bernard  and  Daughter,  John  Light  and  wife. 


(  74  ) 
fhip  and  county  of  Philadelphia.  Ordained  in 
1756,  at  which  time  he  took  on  him  the  care  of 
the  congregation.  His  afliftant  is  Mr.  Peter 
Reinharth.  Mr.  Urner  married  Barbara  Sweit- 
fer  by  whom  he  has  children  Mary,  Jofeph, 
Martin,  Elizabeth.     The  next  fociety  is 

EPHRATA 

This  church  is  diftinguifhed  by  the  above 
name  which  is  the  name  of  the  village  where 
it  exifts,  in  Cocolico  townfhip  and  Lancafter 
county,  60  miles  WNwhw  from  Philadelphia. 
The  fame  village  is  frequently  called  Tunkers- 
tvwn.  It  confifts  of  between  30  and  40  build- 
ings, and  ftands  on  a  parcel  of  land  containing 
1£5  acres.  The  land  is  formed  into  a  triangle 
by  the  erodings  of  the  paxton  and  lancafter 
roads  and  Cocolico  river.  The  places  of  wor- 
ship in  the  village  are  three  :  one  (called  Sha- 
ron) adjoins  the  fifters  appartments  by  way  of 
chappel  ;  the  other,  called  Bethany,  is  a  chap- 
pel  belonging  to  the  appartments  of  the  bre- 
thren, where  they  refort  to  worfhip  morning 
and  evening,  and  fometimes  in  the  night,  as 
the  fifters  alfo  do  in  the  other  chappel  ;  the 
third  is  a  common  church  called  Zion,  built  on 
the  fummit  of  a  little  hill,  about  200  yards 
diftant  from  the  other.  Here  the  fmgle  breth- 
ren and  Tingle  lifters  and  the  married  people 
and  their  children  meet  once  a  week  for  pub- 
lic worfhip.  The  brethren  have  adopted  the 
drefs  of  the  white  friers  with  fome  alteration  ; 
and  the  fifters  that  of  the  nuns  ;  and  both, 
like  them,  have  taken  the  vow  of  celibacy. 
But  fome  break  through  the  vow.     Then  they 


(     IS     ) 

quit  their  cells  and  go  to  the  neighbourhood  a- 
mong  the  married  people.  All  the  fraternity 
wear  their  beards.  Their  livelihood  they  gee 
by  cultivating  the  land,  by  a  printing  office,  by 
a  grift  mill,  a  paper  mill,  an  oil  mill  occ  ;  and 
the  lifters  by  {pinning,  weaving,  fewing,  &c. 
They  flept  at  fir  ft  on  board  couches  with, 
blocks  tor  pillows,  but  now  fleep  on  beds  ;  and 
have  otherwife  abated  much  of  the  fevcrity  of 
their  order.  They  keep  the  feventh  day  of  the 
k  for  iabbath,  to  which  their  founder  had 
been  profelyted  by  the  remains  o4  the  keithian 
bapcifts,  particularly  Rev.  Thomas  Rutter,  Wlio 
in  this  affair  was  the  difciple  of  Abel  Noble. 
From  the  uncouth  drefs,  the  reclufe  and  afec- 
tic  life  of  thefe  people  four  afpects  and  rough 
manners  might  be  expected  ;  but  on  the  contra- 
ry, a  fouling  innocence  and  meeknefs  grace 
their  countenances,  and  a  foftnefs  of  tone  and 
accent  adorn  their  con verfalion, and  make  their 
deportment  gentle  and  obliging.  Their  fmg- 
ing  is  charming  ;  partly  owing  to  the  pleafant- 
nefs  of  their  voices,  the  variety  of  parts  they 
carry  on  together  and  the  devout  manner  of 
performance.  The  families  belonging  to  the 
ibciety  are  about  40  whereof  about  135  #  per- 
fons  (including  the  fingle  brethren  and  fillers) 

•  The  number  of  (ingle  brethren  is  only  14.  Their 
names  are  Rev.  Peter  Miller,  John  Mayle,  Jacob  Moyer, 
Mark  Graff",  John  Huplc,  John  Reiiman,  Chrirtian  Reb, 
Jacob  1  uel  Fafik,  George  Miller,   Jacob  Kim- 

William  Lebrccht,     Henry  Bendle,    Jacob  Funk 
-   number   of  Tingle  fillers  is  iS,  Barbara  Moyer  and 
,  Catherine  Hegcman,   Mai  y 
rine    Volzin,     Elizabeth    Zinn,     B  w 
,    Elizabeth  Heafly,    Anna  Maria  Gra/nar,  H  . 
ice    Gardner,  Rohua    C 


,(    76    ) 

are  baptized  and  in  communion..  This  was 
their  ftate  in  1770.  They  had  their  exiftence 
as  a  fociety  on  Nov.  12.  1724  when  Conrad 
Beiffel,  Jofeph  Shaffer,  John  Moyer  and  wife, 
Henrick  Hehn  and  wife  and  Veronica  Frederick 
were  baptized  in  Pequea  river  by  Rev.  Peter 
Baker.  The  fame  day  thefe  feven  incorporat- 
ed into  a  church  and  chofe  Conrad  Beiffel  to  be 
their  minifter.  After  this  they  continued  fome 
time  at  Millcreek  ;  and  then,  removing  about 
three  miles  northward,  pitched  on  the  land 
of  Rudolph  Neagley,  in  Earl  townfhip.  Here 
they  continutd  about  feven  years  ;  and  hither 

"Fufik,  Maria  Miller*  Elizabeth  Mack,  CatherineHenrick, 
Veronica  Funk,  Chriftiana  Lefslcy,  Mariah  Henrick,  Su«- 
fanna  Stedtkr,  Louifa  Beiflel,  Barbara  Kimmel,  Maria 
Hecker,  Maria  Eiker,  Maria  Graff,   Dorothy  Monfhour 

The  married  members  and  their  offspring  are  Jehn 
Hoffman,  John  Miller  aiad  wife,  Mrs.  PethkofFer,  John 
peth  coffer,  Ifaac  Fethcoffer,  Mrs.  Heuple,  Henry  Heu* 
pie  and  wife,  Magdalene  Lefhar,  Jacob  Seibers  and  wife 
and  fon  and  daughter,  Godfreid  Scufinger  and  wife,  E- 
Ion  Miller  and  wife,  Jacob  Kellar  and  wife,  Sebaftian 
Keller,  Jofeph  Keller  and  wife,  Frederick  Keller  and 
wife,  Jofeph  Heafly,  John  Heafly  and  wife,  Magdalene 
Gitter,  Jaeob  Martin,  Maria  Martin,  Jacob  Spregle 
wife  and  daughter,  Mrs  Hahn,  Jacob  Graff  and  wife,  Jo- 
feph GrafT,  Daniel  Good  and  wife,  James  Anguis  and 
wife  and  daughter,  Jacob  Senfeman  and  wife,  Mrs  Senfe- 
man,  Mrs  Shreid,  Jacob  Gorgas  and  wife,  Adam  Kenf 
ickmaker,  Jacob  Neagley  and  wife  and  maid,  Catherine 
Janfin,  Herman  Zinn  and  wife,  Conrad  Boldhaufon, 
Peter  Fahnftick  and  wife,  Margaret  Fahnftick  and  maid, 
John  Neagley  and  wife,  John  Garber  and  wife,  Benjamin 
Bowman  and  Wife,  John  Bowman,  Laurence  Double  and 
wife,  Martha  Simeon  and  daughter,  John  Huber,  Jere- 
miah Miller  and  wife,  Lodowick  Hecker,  Sufanna  Hart- 
man,  Barbara Rorback,  Geo.  Zinn  &  wife,  And.  Hook  & 
wife,  Lod.Bender  &  wife,  Gertrude  Mellinger,  An.Thom- 
mim,  Ann  Lefsley,  Jacob  Rohrer  and  wife  and  fon  and 
daughter,  John  Fahnftick  and  wife. 


(    77    ) 

reforted  many  to  fee  them,  fome  of  which  joia 
cd  the  fociety.  Here  they  began  their  oecono- 
my,  the  men  living  by  themfelves  on  the  fore- 
mentioned  lands,  and  the  women  alfo  by  them- 
felves  on  the  adjoining  lands  of  John  Moyly. 
Here  Conrad  Beiffel  appointed  two  elders  and 
a  matron  to  prefide  over  his  church  in  the  wii- 
dernefs,  binding  them  by  a  foleran  promife  (and 
at  the  fame  time  giving  to  each  a  teftament)  to 
govern  according  to  the  rules  of  that  book. 
Then  he  withdrew,  and  made  as  though  they 
fhould  fee  him  no  more.  This  was  done  in  the 
year  1733.  He  travelled  northward  till  he 
came  to  the  fpot  where  Ephrata  or  Tunkerf- 
town  now  ftands,  and  with  his  hoe  planted 
indian  corn  and  roots  for  his  fubfiftence.  But 
he  had  not  been  long  in  the  place  before  the  fo- 
ciety found  him  out  and  repaired  to  his  little 
cot ;  the  brethren  fettling  with  him  on  the  weft 
banks  of  Cocolico,  and  the  fifters  on  the  eaft, 
all  in  fight  of  one  another  with  the  river  rim- 
ing between  them.  The  next  year  they  fet  a- 
bout  building  their  village,  beginning  with  a 
place  of  worfhip.  The  village  is  inclofed  with 
a  large  ditch,  and  fortified  with  pofts  and  rails 
and  quickfets.  The  founder  of  this  people  and 
their  firft  minifter  was 

Rev,  Conrad  Beijfel 

This  was  his  real  name  ;  but  when  he  be- 
came a  baptift  he  afTumed  the  name  of  Freid- 
fam  Gottrecht,  and  gave  new  names  to  all  the 
brethren  and  fifters.  He  was  born  in  1690  at 
Eberback  in  Germany.  Bred  a  prefbyterian. 
Arrived  in  JBoftoa  iji  J720.   Thence  he  and  his 


(    73     ) 

two  companions,  Stunts  and  Steiffel,  travelled 
weftward  to  Pennfylvania,  and  lived  as  her- 
mits about  Millcreek  and  the  Swedefpring  in 
Lancafter  county.  He  embraced  the  principles 
of  the  Baptifts  in  1724.  Died  Jul.  6  1768  and 
was  buried  at  Ephrata.  As  for  his  charafte r 
I  give  it  in  the  words  of  one  who  knew  him 
well  "  He  was  very  ftrifl  in  his  morals  and 
"  praclifed  felfdenial  and  mortification  to  an 
"  uncommon  degree.  Enthufiaftic  and  whim- 
*'  fical  he  certainly  was,  but  an  apparent  de- 
"  voutnefs  and  fincerity  ran  through  all  his  od- 
*'  dities.  He  was  not  an  adept  in  any  of  the 
46  liberal  arts  and  fciences  except  mufic  ;  in 
"■  which  he  excelled.  He  compofed  and  fet  to 
"  mufic  (in  three,  four,  fix  and  eight  parts)  a 
•*  folio  volume  of  hymns,  and  another  of  an- 
«c  thems.  He  publifhed  a  differ tation  on  the  fall 
"  of  man  in  the  .rn.yfterio.us  drain;  alfo  ava- 
'**  lume  of  letters.  He  left  behind  feveral  books 
J<  in  manufcripts  curioufly  written  and  embei- 
«'•  lifted."  It  is  expected  his  life  will  be  pub- 
lifued  by  his  fucceiTor  and  the  prefent  miniftex 
of  Ephrata. 

Rev.  Peter  Miller 

He  was  born  in  1 709  in  the  bailywick  of  Kai- 
ferlautern  in  Germany.  Had  his  education  in  the 
univerfity  of  Heildeberg.  Came  to  this  coun- 
try in  1730  and  fettled  with  the  dutch  prefby- 
terians  in  Philadelphia.  There  he  was  ordain- 
ed by  Rev.  meflienrs  Tennent,  Boyd  and  An- 
drews the  fame  year.  He  embraced  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  baptifts  in  1735  ;  and  in  1744  re- 
ceived another  ordination  from  Rev.  Conrad 


(    79     ) 
Belflel  to  be  prior  of  the  fociety,  over  which  he 
£1  ill   prefides.      Dr.  Douglas    (in  his  hiftory  of 
the  provinces)  faith  that  he  is  a  good  fchollar 
and  writes  fine  latin 

No  very  remarkable  event  hath  happened  in 
this  fociety,  which  hath  now  exifted  for  46 
years,  except  a  confederacy  which  Eckerlin 
(their  firft  prior)  had  formed  to  fupplant  the 
founder.  He  had  feduced  the  brethren  tohispur- 
pofe,  and  began  to  tamper  with  the  fillers  ;  but 
they,  perceiving  his  delign,  oppofed  and  defeat- 
ed it.  He  has  fince  caufed  uneafmefs  by  rea« 
fon  of  the  power  he  has  as  truftee  for  the  land. 
But  the  fociety  are  meditating  to  have  their 
grievances  redreffed  by  a  bill  of  afTembly. 
The  number  of  Tingle  brethren  and  fitters  is 
much  reduced  ;  nor  is  it  likely  that  young  peo- 
ple will  join  them  to  keep  up  a  fucceflion 

O    L    Y 

This  fociety  takes  its  diftinclion  from  the 
townfhip  where  moR  of  the  people  refide,  in 
the  county  of  Berks,  54  miles  nw  from  Phila- 
delphia. The  prefent  preachers  are  mefs. 
Martin  Gaby  and  Jacob  Joder,  but  nol  or- 
dained. The  families  belonging  to  the  | 
are  about  1 2  whereof  20  *  perfons  are  b&p 
ed.  This  is  their  prefent  (late.  They  had 
their  beginning  about  r 732  when  one  Ritters, 
Shiibert,  Blanlh,  and  others  did  unite  for  com- 

*  Martin  Gaby'  cxhor.  and  wife,  John  Joder  e.d:r, 
and  wife,  Conrad  Price  and  wife,  D;;vid  Price  and  wife, 
David  Kinfey  and  wife,  Jacob  Baker  and  wife,  Cbriftfojl 
Kin  fey  and  wife,  Peter  Kleine,  Lifs  Ellis,  Margaret 
Harpinej  Catherine  plank,  Dsmitl  IUeinc  and  wife. 


(     8o    ) 

amnion  of  faints,  having  Peter  Baker  totlielr 
affiftance.  Since  this  time  they  have  had  no 
ordained  minifter,  but  are  vifited  by  Rev.George 
Kleine.  This  church  is  much  reduced  by  rea- 
fon  of  removals  of  families  to  other  parts,  par- 
ticularly  to  Conecocheague  in   1743 

C    O    C    O    L    I    C    O 

This  fociety  is  diftinguifhed  by  the  above 
name  which  is  the  name  of  a  little  river  near  to 
-which  the  people  refide,  in  Cocolico  townfhip 
and  county  of  Lancafter,  60  miles  WNwhw 
from  Philadelphia.  The  minifter  is  Rev.  Ja^ 
cob  Sonday,  who  has  Mr.  John  Landis  to  his 
afliftance.  Mr.  Sonday  was  born  in  Germany 
in  1700.  Came  to  this  country  in  1733.  Was 
ordained  in  1763,  at  which  time  he  took  on 
him  the  overfight  of  the  church.  He  married 
Mary  Landis  by  whom  he  has  one  fon.  The 
families  belonging  to  the  fociety  are  about  53 
whereof  86  *  perfons  are  baptized.     This  is 

*  Rev.  Jacob  Sonday  and  wife,  John  Landis,  cxhor^ 
and  wife,  John  Rofh  and  wife,  Peter  Eychelberger  and 
wife,  Michael  Fran tz  and  wife,  Henry  Mohier.  and  wife, 
Peter  Reyer  and  wife,  Tobias  Miller  and  wife,  Chrifto- 
pher  Becker  and  wife,  Elizabeth  Lefsley,  Catherine  Har- 
lacher,  Ann  Mohler,  Magdalene  Millenger,  Daniel  Bal- 
linger  and  wife,  Daniel  Reyer  and  wife,  John  Reyer  and 
wife,  Martin  Meyer  and  wife,  Jeremiah  Woolf  and  wife2 
George  Schwarts  and  wife,  Jacob  Landis  and  wife,  Da« 
•vid  Landis,  Chriftopher  Weftenberger  and  wife,  Jacob 
Sponhauer  and  wife,  Chriflopher  Widder  and  wife,  Jacob 
Xnodel  and  wife,  Salome  Harlacher,  Barbara  Fran  tz, 
Catherine  Reyer,  Margaret  Landis,  Barbara  Steiner,  Bar- 
bara Schob,  Henry  Schneider  and  wife,  Daniel  Hollinger 
and  wife,  Chriftopher  Reyer  and  wife,  John  Meyer  and 
^vife3  Samuel  Good  and  wife,  Eya  Sychrift,   Jefemiaj^ 


(     8i     ) 

their  prefent  (late.  They  originated  about  the 
year  1735  when  the  following  perfons  feparat- 
ed  from  the  church  of  Ephrata  and  became  a 
diftinct  fociety  viz  Michael  Pffauts,  Rant  Wo 
olf,  John  Frantz,  Emick  Reyer,  George  Re- 
yera  John  Landis,  Samuel  Good,  Henry  Snei- 
der,  Philip  Rouland  and  others,    having  Rev. 

Peter  Baker  to  their  affiftance The  firft  mi- 

nifter  they  had  was  Rev.  Michael  Frantz,  a  na- 
tive of  Switzerland.  He  was  ordained  in  1734 
and  the  next  year  took  on  him  the  overfight  of 
the  church.  He  died  in  1748  and  was  buried 
at  Cocolico.  After  his  death  Rev.  Michael 
Pffautz  and  others  preached  to  them  until  their 
prefent  minifter  was  ordained 

WHITEOAKLAND 

This  fociety  is  diftinguifiied  as  above  from 
a  tract  of  land  fo  called,  in  the  parifh  of  War- 
wick, Lancafter  county,  75  miles  wbN  from 
Philadelphia,  and  2  miles  from  Letitz.  They 
hold  their  meeting  at  private  houfes.  The  mi- 
nifter is  Rev.  Chriftian  Langanacre,  who  was 
born  Nov.  11.  1732  in  Raffo  townfhip.  Or- 
dained May  15  1769  at  which  time  he  took  on 
him  the  care  of  the  church.  He  married  Mar- 
garet Geib  by  whom  he  has  fix  children.  The 
families  belonging  to  the  fociety  are  about  39, 


WooUjur.  and  wife,  Jonas  Joner  and  wife,  Jacob  Heller 
and  wife,  Mrs  Hiftant,  Mrs  Mofer,  Mrs  Behr,  ChriiH- 
an  Haas  and  wife,  Jacob  Harnly  and  wife,  Magdalene 
Landis,  Mary  Frantz,  Magdalene  Bellenger,  Mary 
Koch,  Barbara  Koch,  Henry  Schneider  ,/w.  and  wife,  Su* 
fannah  Landis,  Catherine  Landis, 


(  ^  ) 

whereof  65  #  perfons  are  baptized.  This  is 
their  prefent  fiate.  They  began  in  this  man- 
ner. About  the  year  1729  one  George  Reyer, 
John  Langanacre  and  others  came  from  Ger- 
many and  fettled  in  this  neighbourhood.  Af- 
ter them  came  feveral  more  from  cthgf  places 
who  in  the  year  1736  united  together  and  had 
the  Lords  fupper  adminiftred  to  them  by  Rev 
Michael  Pffautz.  He  was  their  firil  minifter 
but  lived  at  Cccolico.  He  married  Catherine 
Schlauch  by  whom  he  had  four  children.  Was 
ordained  in  the  year  1735.  Died  May  21. 
1769  leaving  behind  him  a  good  character 

GREATSWATARO 

This  church  is  £o  diftinguifhed  from  a  river 
near  to  which  the  people  dwell ;  and  fometimes 
by  the  name  of  Eaficonenuago  which  is  another 
river  that  runs  through  the  neighbourhood. 
The  meeting  is  held  chiefly  at  private  houfes  in 
the  to wnfhip  of  Mountjoy,  county  of  Lancafter, 
20  miles  from  Lancafter  and  86  miles  wbN  from 
Philadelphia.  Their  preachers  are  meff,  George 
Miller  and  Adam  Hammaker,  but  not  ordained. 
The  families  belonging  to  the  congregation  are 

*  Rev.  Chnftian  Langanacre  and  wife,  John  Zug*  and 
wife,  John  Langanacre  and  wife,  Chriftian  Zug  and  wife, 
John  Pffautz  and  wife,  Henry  Kuenfing,  Jacob  Kuen- 
fing  and  wife,  Chriftian  Krabiei  and  wife,  Jacob  Zug  and 
wife,  widow  Huber,  Catherine  Eitner,  Elizabeth  Reir, 
Abraham  Flohry  and  wife,  Conrad  Gingie,  George  Moh- 
ler  ^md  wife,  Elizabeth  Huft,  Martin  Schuh  and  wife, 
Jacob  Herfiiy  and  wife,  Andrew  Eby  and  wife,  Henry 
Giebel  and  wife,  Barbara  Eby  and  four  daughters,  Henry 
Eter  and  wife,  Elizabeth  Langanacre,  Henry  Langanacre 
and  wife,  Uirick  Langanacre,  Jehu  Hackman  and  wife, 


(    83     ) 

about  co  whereof  39*  perfons  are  baptized. 
This  is  their  prefent  fkte.  They  began  in  this 
manner.  In  the  year  1752  the  faid  George 
Miller  embraced  the  principles  of  the  Baptifts, 
and  foon  after,  his  wife.  Others  removed  hi- 
ther from  Whiteoakland,  and  in  the  year  1756 
united  into  a  fociety,  having  Rev.  Michael 
PfFauts  to  their  Affiftance.  He  continued  to  vi- 
fit  them  while  he  lived  ;  and  after  him,  others. 
They  purpofe  foon  to  ordain  Mr.  Miller  to  be 
their  minifter 

LITTLESWATARO 

This  church  alfo  takes  its  diftinclion  from 
a  river  of  the  above  name,  in  the  townfhip  of 
Tulpehokon  and  county  of  Berks,  25  miles 
from  Reading  and  81  miles  swbw  from  Phila- 
delphia. Some  of  the  people  live  in  Bether 
townfhip  in  Lancafter  county.  They  hold  their 
worfhip  in  private  houfes.  Their  preacher  is 
Mr.  Peter  Heckman,  but  he  is  not  ordained. 
The  families  belonging  to  the  fociety  are  about 

Henry  Stohler  and  wife,  John  Lautermikh  and  wife, 
George  Kleine  and  wife,  Catherine  Gifh,  John  Frantz 
and  wife,  Ann  Huber,  Fronica  — ,  Catherine  Reyer, 
Salome  Borghart,  Mrs  Kratzer,  Conrad  HaufTer  and  wife, 
and  George  Stchler  and  wife. 

*  George  Miller  exbor.  and  wife  and  daughter,  Adam 
Hamm3cker  exbor.  and  wife  and  daughter,  Peter  Ertz- 
ftone  and  wife,  Philip  Roemer  and  wife,  John  Buck  and 
wife,  John  Eter  and  wife,  Jacob  Metfegar  and  wife, 
Henry  Thomas  and  wife,  Chriftopher  Branfer  and  wife, 
Margaret  Thomas,  Philip  Reicker  and  wife,  Peter  Berfn 
and  wife.  Henry  Stohner  and  wife,  Wen  del  Mcrich  and 
wife,  Frederick  Hefs  and  wife,  Jacob  Eter  and  wife, 
George  Balfhbach  and  wife,  George  Henry  and  wife,  Bai- 
bara  Henry,  Freny  Cais. 


(  §4  ) 
ip  whereof  45  #  perfons  are  baptized.  This  is 
their  prefent  ftate.  Their  beginning  was  in 
this  manner.  About  the  year  1745  one  George 
Befher  fettled  in  this  neighbourhood,  and  one 
Michael  Frantz,  Peter  Heckman,  John  Frantz 
and  others.  Thefe  were  baptized  by  Rev. 
George  Kleine,  and  in  1757  coalefced  into  a 
church  having  the  faid  Kleine  to  their  aflif- 
tance.  He  has  miniftred  the  Lords  fupper  to 
them  ever  fmce  ;  but  they  purpofe  foon  to  or- 
dain Mr.  Peter  Heckman 

NORTHKILL 

This  little  fociety  is  diftinguifhed  as  above 
from  a  fmall  river  called  Northkill,  in  the  town- 
fhips  of  Tulpehokon  and  Bern,  county  of  Berks, 
15  miles  from  Reading,  and  71  miles  Nwbw 
from  Philadelphia.  The  minifter  is  Rev. 
George  Kleine.  He  was  born  at  Zweinbrec- 
ken  in  Germany,  Oct.  9  171 5.  Came  to  A- 
mericain  1738.  Was  baptized  in  1739  by  Mr. 
Naas  of  Amwell  in  the  Jerfey.  Ordained  in 
1757  by  Rev.  Michael  Pffautzand  Martin  Ur- 
ner.  He  married  Dorothy  Repman  by  whom 
he  has  feven  children.    The  families  belonging 


*  Peter  Heckman  exhor.  and  wife,  Jacob  Heckman  and 
wife,  Michael  Frantz  and  wife,  Nicholas  Gerft  and  wife, 
Jacob  Moyer  and  wife,  George  Beafher,  David  Marge 
and  wife,  Simon  Menich  and  wife,  John  Frantz  and  wife, 
Chriftian  Frantz  and  wife,  Rofe  Shnables,  Jacob  Smith 
and  wife,  Lifs  Kentzel,  Adam  Henrich,  Mrs  Cyder, 
Philip  Zeigier  and  wife,  Jacob  Breneifen  and  wife,  David 
Kleine  and  wife,  widow  Benedict,  Elizabeth  Benedict, 
Sophy  Kilh,  Leonard  Sebalt  and  wife,  John  Grove, 
Jacob  Baker  and  wife,  Jacob  Deal  and  wife,  Hans  Ston- 
ier and  wife,  Jacob  fieihor  and  wife. 


(    8j     ) 

to  them  are  7,  thereof  11  *  perfons  are  bap- 
tized and  in  fellowihip.  This  is  their  prefent 
ftate.  They  began  to  be  a  church  about  the 
year  1748  "when  one  John  Stump  and  fitter, 
Frederick  Moyer  and  wife,  with  a  few  more, 
had  the  Lords  fupper  adminiftred  to  them  by 
the  Rev.  Michael  PfFautz.  About  two  years 
after,  their  prefent  minifter  fettled  among  them, 
"The  foci ety  was  reduced  to  its  now  low  eftatc, 
by  the  removal  of  families  to  other  parts 

C    O    D    O    R    U    S 

This  fociety  is  diftinguifhed  as  above  from 
ti  river  that  is  called  Codorusy  in  a  townfhip  of 
the  fame  name  in  the  county  of  York,  1 1  miles 
from  the  town  of  York,  and  99  miles  whs 
from  Philadelphia.  The  preacher  is  Mr.  Hen- 
ry Neff,  but  he  is  not  ordained.  The  fami- 
lies belonging  to  the  place  are  about  20 
whereof  3  5  f  perfons  are  baptized  and  mem- 
bers of  the  church.    This  is  their  prefent  ftate. 

*  Rev.  George  Kleine  and  wife,  Valentine  Lang,  Eli- 
zabeth Rciler,  Elizabeth  Stump,  Sarah  Soienbergcr, 
John  Stohncr  and  wife,  Mary  &tohner,  Sufa-nna  Mack- 
Icy,  Elizabeth  Brandel. 

t  Henry  Keffn7;or.  and  wife,  Jacob  Tilman  and  wife 
and  daughter,  Jacob  Spitler  and  wife  and  two  daughters, 
Peter  Brilharth  and  wife,  Jacob  Ncifwanger  ancf  wife* 
Ann  Ncifwanger,  Catherine  Beightlev,  Elizabeth  Eeip, 
George  Beary  and  wife,  John  Harold  and  wife,  Rudy 
Yunt  and  wife,  William  Spitler  and  wife,  Chriftian  E- 
by  and  wife,  Wendel  Eaker  and  wife,  Michael  Berky  and 
^ne,  George  Ettor  and  fon3  MrJiias  Sitlcr  and  wife,  Su» 
fftcna  Wckner. 


(  86  ) 
They  began  to  be  a  church  about  the  year 
175S  when  one  Rudy  Yunt,  Peter  Brilharth, 
John  Brilharth  and  others,  united  for  com- 
munion of  faints,  having  Rev.  Jacob  Tanner 
to  their  atfiftance.  This  Tanner  left  them  to 
go  to  Monocafy  ;  fince,  they  have  been  top- 
plied  from  other  places.  Mr.  Neff  will  foon 
be  ordained 

LITTLECONEWAGO 

This  fociety  is  fo  diftinguifhed  from  a 
branch  of  the  river  Conewago  near  to  which  the 
people  made  their  fettlements,  in  the  townfhip 
of  Hanover  and  county  of  York,  20  miles  from 
the  town  of  York  and  107  miles  whs  from 
Philadelphia.  The  preachers  are  meff.  Jacob 
Moyer  and  James  Henrick,  but  are  not  ordain- 
ed. The  families  belonging  to  the  place  are 
about  40,  whereof  52  #  perfons  are  baptized. 
Their  beginning  was  in  1738  when  one  El- 
drick,  DierdoriF,  Bigler,  Gripe,  Studfman 
tind  others  united  into  a  church*  having  Rev. 

*  Jacob  Moyer  exhor.  and  wife,  James  Henrick,  cxhor, 
smd  wife,  Hans  Adam  Sneider  and  wife,  Barbara  Sneider, 
George  Wine  and  wife,  John  Geiny,  Daniel  Woods  and 
wife,  Henry  Geiny  and  wife,  Jofeph  Moyer  and  wife, 
Nicholas  Houfteter  and  wife,  ChriiUan  Houfteter,  Rudy 
Brown  and  wife,  Dobis  Brother  and  wife,  Jacob  Miller 
and  wife,  Michael  Kouts  and  wife,  Mrs  Powitr,  Mrs 
Moyer,  Stephen  Peter  wife  and  daughter,  Maud  Powfbi , 
George  Peter,  Henry  Tanner  and  wife,  Michael  Tanner 
and  wife,  John  Moyer  and  wife,  Jacob  louder  and  wife, 
Henry  HoerF  and  wife,  Heifher  Wcife,  ChrHlian  Etor, 
John  Peter  Weaver,  Barbara  ikur,  John  Svv«4'U  *kd  wifCj 
jjfs  iuWii'iJ-gj  Cii'Cat  J-iY.irn.ii. 


(  27  ) 
Daniel  Leatherman  to  their  afliitancc.  He  left 
them  and  went  to  Monocaiy  ;  after  him  they 
had  Rev.  Nicholas  Martin  who  alio  quitted 
them  to  go  to  Conecocheague  ;  of  both  which 
we  (hall  (peak  when  we  come  to  the  "Baptifts  in 
Maryland.  Their  fucceflbrs  are  the  prefcnt 
miniiters,  before  mentioned 

C  O  N  E  W  A  G  O 

This  fociety  alio  takes  its  diftmction  from 
a  river  of  the  above  name  rear  to  which  the 
people  refide,  in  the  townfhip  of  Reading, 
county  of  York,  14  miles  from  the  town  of 
York  and  10 1  miles  w  from  Philadelphia. 
Their  preacher  is  Mr.  George  Brown,  who  is 
no:  ordained.  The  families  are  about  4^ 
whereof  77  *  perfons  are  baptized.     Their  be- 


*  George  Brown,  exhor.  and  wife,  Peter  \\%rds,  John 
Heiner  and  wife,  Peter  Fox  and  wife,  Anthony  DierdorfT 
and  wife,  John  Dier«Jorffand  wife,  Nicholas  Mover  and 
wife,  Manafs  Bruch  and  wife,  Michael  Bafierman  and 
.  Davie!  Erhard  and  \\\ic,.  Ann  Mummard,  Danitt 
Raker  and  wife,  Abraham  Staoner  and  wife,  denry  Dier- 
dorff  and  wife,  John  Burckholter  and  wife,  ChrifKaq 
Fray,  Andrew  Trimmer  and  wife,  Dftace  Reinftl  and 
wife,  Samuel  Arnold,  Peter  DierdorfT  and  wife,  Burner; 
Achenbach  and  wife,  Mary  Latzcho,  Catherine  Btudytfa- 
ker,  John  Xeaglcy  and  wife,  Michael  Biiflel  and  wife, 
Velte  Britfel  and  wife,  Mathias  Boufer  and  wit'e  anddaugb- 
ter,  Laurence  Bakener  and  wife,  Nicholas  iJAencr,  Phi- 
lip Snell  and  wife,  Nicholas  Bakener,  jur.  x^\  wife, 
6*n\  bower  and  wife  and  two  daughters,   Adam  Bit  '^ 

Marilis    Kaker,     Henry    Briflel  and    wife,     Da\id 
1   and   wife,   Sarah    BrinVl,     Henry    Raud 
wife,   George    Waggoner   and   wife,  Jacob    Milier,   Mr* 
M-rtlfc,  Rudolcb  Brown,   George  Rceftn  and 


(     S3     ) 

ginning,  as  a  fociety,  was  In  the  year  tf^t 
when  John  Neagley,  Adam  Sower,  Jacob 
Sweigard,  Peter  Neiper,  Jofeph  Latzcho  &c 
did  unite  for  communion  of  faints,  having  to 
thejr  affiftance  Rev.  George  Adam  Martin,  of 
•whJDm  more  hereafter.  Next  to  him  were  Rev. 
Daniel  Leatherman  and  Nicholas  Martin,  of 
whom  we  {hall  fpeak  when  we  come  to  Mary- 
land 

BERMUDIAN 

Th  i  s  fociety  alfo  is  diftinguifhed  by  the  a- 
bove  name  of  a  little  river,  in  the  townfhip  of 
Warrington  and  county  of  York,  15  miles  from 
the  town  of  York  and  102  miles  whM  from 
Philadelphia.  Moft  of  thefe  people  obferve  the 
feventh  day  of  the  week  for  fabbath,  and  are 
to  be  confidered  as  the  offspring  of  Ephrata 
church.  Their  preacher  is  Mr.  Henry  Low- 
man,  who  is  not  ordained.  The  families  are 
about  40,  whereof  58  *  perfons  are  baptized. 
They  began  to  be  a  church  in  1758  when  Phi- 
lip Gebel,  Peter  Beiffel,  Henry  Lowman  and 
ethers  united  for  communion  of  faints,  having 

*  Henry  Lowman,  exhor..  and  wife,  Frederick  Reuter 
wife  and  daughter,  Daniel  Fahnftick  and  wife,  Peter  Hen-  ' 
ry  wife  and  mother,  Diertick  Fahnftick  and  wife,  Paul 
Traub.  and  wife,  Sebaftian  Shalles  and  wife,  John  Cook 
wife  and  fon,  Peter  Bender  and  wife,  Melchior  Webber 
and  wife,  John  Bence  wife  and  daughter  and  four   fons, 

Friek,  John  Lehn    and  wife,   John    Meflerhach 

and  wife,  John  Miller  wife  and  two  fon s,  George  Reiii, 
George  Neifs  and  wife,  Benjamin  Gebel  and  wife,  Philip 
Gebel,  Peter  Beut  11  wife  and  fon  and  daughter,  Philip 
Beuflel  and  wife,  Belzar  Smith  and  wife,  Adam  Weyley 
and  wife,  Mrs  Dorothy,- Stauifer,  Elizibeth  Foltz*. 


(    s9    ) 

Rev.  Conrad  Beiffel  to  their  affiftance.  Af- 
terwards Rev.  melf.  Peter  Miller  and  George 
Adam  Martin  and  others  officiated  among 
them 

STONY  CREEK 

This  is  alfo  denominated  from  a  little  ri- 
ver of  the  above  name,  in  the  townfhip  of 
Bruederthal  (alias  BrGtherfioivn)  in  the  county 
of  Bedford,  30  miles  from  Bedford  and  245 
miles  whN  from  Philadelphia.  The  minifter 
is  Rev.  George  Adam  Martin  of  whom  men- 
tion has  been  made  before.  He  was  born  near 
Landftuhl  in  Germany  in  the  year  1 715.  Was 
bred  a  prefbyterian.  Embraced  the  principles 
of  the  Baptifts  in  1737,  and  was  ordained  by 
Peter  Baker  in  1739.  Afterwards  he  refided  at 
Littleconewago  where  forne  mifunderftanding 
arofe  between  him  and  the  people  and  occa- 
fioned  him  to  remove  to  Antitum.  In  the 
year  1762  he  adopted  the  fentiments  of  the  fe- 
venthday  Baptifts,  and  preached  at  Bermudi- 
an.  From  thence  he  went  to  Stonycreek  this 
year.  He  married  one  of  the  Knippers  and 
lias  many  children.  The  families  belonging  to 
the  place  are  12  whereof  17  perfons  are  bapti- 
zed and  may  be  confidered  as  the  conftituents 
of  the  church,  viz.  Rev.  George  Adam  Martin 
and  wife,  Henry  Roth  and  wife  and  daughter, 
Henry  Roth. yr/r.,  and  wife,  George  Newmoyer, 
Philip  Ofwald  and  wife  and  daughter,  Abra- 
ham Gebel  and  wife,  Philip  Kimmel  and  wife, 
Mr  Widdebarger  and  wife.  This  church  alfo 
is  the  offspring  cf  Ephrata  where  (for  the  mod 
part)   the  feventhday  fabbath  is  kept 


(  90  y 

Thus  we  fee  that  there  are  in  this  province 
1 5  churches  oiTunkjrbaptiJls  ;  to  which  apper- 
tain 3  ordained  minifters,  and  13  exhortcrs  or 
probationers,  and  4  meeting  houfes  ;  the  reg- 
ion of  their  having  no  more  places  of  wor- 
ihip  is,  That  they  chooie  Father  to  meet  front 
boufe  to  hoafe  in  imitation  of  the  primitive  Chri- 
itians.  We  fee  alfo  that  their  families  are  a- 
bout  419,  which  contain  about  2095  fouls  al- 
lowing five  to  a  family  ;  whereof  763  perfons 
-ire  baptized  and  in  communion.  There  are 
more  Tunkers  about  Conecocheague,  Antitum, 
kz  but  they  border  on  Maryland  and  belong 
w  churches  in  that  province 


F  A  R  T      V, 

Treats  of  the  Mennonij?  Baptijl's  in  Ptntr- 
fyhania* 

These  have  their  denomination  from  the. 
perfonal  name  of  Menno  Simon,  a  native  of  Wit- 
mars  and  a  man  of  parts  and  learning  who  car- 
ried the  reformation  one  ftep  further  than  ci- 
ther Luther  or  Calvin  ;  and  who  (no  doubt), 
would  have  been  ranked  with  the  chief  refor- 
mers had  there  not  been  feme  croffgrained  fa- 
tality attending  the  laudable  deeds  of  Baptiits. 
to  prevent  their  having  (in  this  world)  the 
praife  they  deferve.  He  was  born  in  the  year 
150^,,  Got  into  orders  in  1528.  Continued 
a  famous  preacher  and  difputer  to  1531  when 
he  began  to  fufpecl  the  validity  of  many  things, 
in  the  church  of  Rome,  and,  among  the  reft, 


(    9?     J 

that  of  Infant  baptifm.  He  discovered  his  fuf- 
picions  firft  to  the  doctors  of  his  own  fraterni- 
ty ;  but  they,  reiblvmg  all  to  the  authority  of 
the  church,  relieved  him  not.  Then  he  vifit- 
ed  Luther  and  many  befides  who  had  at  the 
time  avowed  the  word  of  God  to  be  the  only 
rule  of  faith  and  practice  in  religious  concern- 
ments. What  fatibfaction  they  gave  him  touch- 
ing other  matters  I  do  not  find  ;  but  their 
grounding  infant  baptifm  on  confequences  and 
expedience  rather  than  on  any  exprefs  precept 
or  precedent  increafed  his  fufpicion.  He  then 
betook  himfelf  to  the  clofe  ftudy  of  theNewteft- 
ament  and  ecclefia&ical  hiftory  ;  and  finding 
no  traces  of  it  in  the  firft  nor  iecond  century 
nor  yet  in  the  word  of  God  ;  and  ftrong  indi- 
cations of  believers  baptifm  in  both  he  renounce- 
ed  the  former,  and  embraced  the  principles  ot 
the  Baptifts  notwithstanding  the  difgrace  which 
the  profcftloii  had  been  brought  under  by  the 
appearance  of  fome  baptifts  in  the  infurrections 
of  thofe  times  which  were  common  throughout 
moll  parts  of  Germany.  [J  Thefe  in  fur  reel  ions 
were  not  of  the  religious  kind  but  druggies  of 
the  people  for  civil  liberty  againft  the  tyranny 
and  opprelhon  of  the  princes.  In  fome  of  thefe 
not  a  proteftant  of  any  denomination  was  found, 
In  none  of  them'were  the  proteftant  Baptifts 
either  the  agitators  or  the  mo  ft  numerous  ;  no, 
not  in  that  of  Munfter.  The  contrivers  of  this 
and  the  firft  that  appeared  in  it  are  well  known 
to  be  of  other  denominations  ;  and  though 
three  Baptifts  (one  by  his  wealth  and  the  other 

j|  Ad  omnes  fere  germaniae  partes  hac  contagic  perva* 
Ct  Skidan's  Kill.  b.  4.  r-  nS 


I  92  ) 

two  by  their  fupertor  {kill  and  courage)  became 
principals  in  fighting  the  tyrant  and  defending 
the  town  yet  had  they  not  the  guilt  of  the  plot- 
ters nor  of  the  fir  ft  infurgents  ;  nor  were  the 
baptifts  under  their  command  many  in  compar- 
ifon  oftheother  citizensand  boors  which  made 
the  whole  body  of  the  madmen  of  Munfter,  as 
they  are  called.  Neverthelefs  the  blame  of  the 
whole  is  fixed  on  the  Baptifts  contrary  to  all 
fair  dealings  and  the  hiftorical  evidence  of  facts, 
and  follows  them  to  this  day  even  in  foreign 
countries.  Merino  continued  preaching  and 
planting  churches  in  various  parts  of  the  Low 
countries  for  a  courfe  of  about  thirty  years, 
and  died  in  peace  Jan.  31.  1561,  after  having 
been  hunted  like  a  partridge  on  the  mountain 
by  both  proteftants  and  papifts.  The  faith  and 
order  of  this  eminent  reformer  may  in  fome 
rneafure  be  gathered  from  the  fragments  of  his 
works  which  are  now  extant.  K  general  B  apt  I  ft 
(as  that  character  is  underftood  inGreatbritain) 
he  certainly  was;  but  I  have  not  feen  fufficient 
evidence  of  his  being  (what  is  now  called)  an  A- 
rian  or  Socmian.  I  rather  think  that  the  term 
Arniinian  or  Remonftrant  would  better  fuit   his 

religious  fentiments But  the  Menno?iiJis 

in  Pennfylvania  and  in  other  parts  of  the  world 
have  fomewhat  deviated  from  Menno  in  mat- 
ters both  of  faith  and  practice  ;  particularly  in 
that  of  baptifm.  He  fin  his  Declaration  con\ 
cernlng  chrljllan  baptifm  in  water,  printed  in  1539 

page  24)  exprefsly  faith "  After  we  have 

6*  fearched  ever  fo  diligently  we  fhall  find  no 
u  other  baptifm  befides  dipping  in  water. 
<J  which  is  acceptable  to  God  and  maintained 


(     93     ) 

"  in  his  word"  f  After  which  he  ados  p.  ^7 
"  Let  who  will  oppofe,  this  is  the  only  mode 
<«  of  baptifm  that  Chrift  Jeius  inftituted  and 
<*  the  apoftles  taught  and  pracufed"  **  Ac- 
cordingly Menno  was  dipped,  and  did  dip  o- 
thers.  His  facceflbrs  did  the  fame,except  when 
they  made  prcfelytes  inprifons  or  were  hinder- 
ed from  going  to  rivers  ;  and  this  they  excufe- 
ed  from  the  confideration  of  neceffity  ;  juft  as 
Cyprian,  in  his  69  epiftle,  exenfes  the  ufage 
of fprmUhig  or  pouring  in  (lead  of dipping  becaufe 
the  fubjects  were  confined  to  their  beds,  which 
made  it  be  called  Clinical  baptifm.  But  (as  in 
Africa  fo  in  Europe)  what  was  done  at  fir  ft 
out  of  a  fuppofed  neceflity  became  afterwards 
to  be  prac*tifed  out  of  choice.  What  excufed 
the  Mennonifts  in  Europe  excufe  them  not  irt 
Pennfylvanta.  In  the  former  they  made  con- 
verts in  prifons  whom  they  could  not  lead  to 
the^water  and  therefore  fetched  water  to  them. 
In  the  former  they  were  hindered  from  going 
to  rivers  and  therefore  did  as  well  as  they  could 
in  the-  inner  chambers  ;  but  in  Pennfylvania  e- 
very  one  may  do  what  is  right  in  his  own  fight 
without  either  fear  or  fhame.  It  is  earneftly 
prayed  therefore  that  the  Mennonifts  of  Ame- 
rica will  return  to  follow  Menno  in  an  affair 
wherein  he  was  fo  eminent  a  follower  of  Chriil 

f  Wunt  hoeneerftelick  wioock  foeken  des  nachts  en- 
de  daechs,  fa  en  bevinden  \vl  nocht  ans  niet  mcer  den 
een  dobpfel  inden  water  dat  God  aenghenaem  is,  wtghe- 
druct  end  begrepen  in  Gods    woort 

**  Obftant  ergo  principes  ut  velint,  obftant  dotYi  inge- 
nii  fui  acumine  ui  norint,  obftant  univerfi  qui  fub  cotlo> 
funt  omnibus  raodis  uuibus  pollint  hie  eft  unicus  iile  bap- 

i   modus,   quem  Chriftus  Jefus  iplc  inftituit  c; 
ftoii  docuermnt,  celcbraruntqus 


I     94     ) 

and  his  apoftles,  efpecially  as  fo  many  of  th£ 
common  people  have  defired  a  reftoration  of 
ijumerfion  and  have  gone  off  to  the  Tnnkers  for 
want  of  it.  Touching  the  fubjects  of  Baptifm 
the  Menncnifts  ftill  retain  their  integrity  by  ad- 
miniftring  the  ordinance  to  none  butthofe  who 
profefs  faith  and  repentance  and  make  vows  of 
fubjeclion  to  the  goipel  of  Chrift,  which  keeps 
Up  the  diftinction  between  world  and  church  (for 
where  baptizing  infants  prevails  there  can  be 
no  world  ;  all  are  church)  ;  but  they  do  not  > 
prefer  dipping.  Their  common  method  is  this. 
The  perfon  to  be  baptized  kneels  ;  the  minifter 
holds  his  hands  over  him  into  which  the  dea- 
con pours  water  and  through  which  it  runs  on 
the  crown  of  the  kneeling  perfons  head  :  after 
which  follow  impofition  of  hands  and  prayer. 
The  parents  fometimes  infift  on  their  children's 
being  baptized  before  they  will  confentto  their 
marriage  which  I  wifh  they  would  not,  left  a- 
ny  be  forced  to  a  thing  which  fhouid  be  a  mat-, 
ter  of  perfonal  choice  following  convictions  and 
calls  of  confeience  ;  for  then  only  is  baptifm 
what  it  mould  be,  the  anfujer  of  a  good  confeience 
towards  God  I  Pet.  iii  21.  The  principles  and 
practices  of  the  Mennonifts  in  Pennsylvania  may 
be  feen  in  their  Confefion  of  faith  publifhed  at 
Philadelphia  in  1727.  This  confeffion,  as  far 
as  it  goes,  is  orthodox  ;  and  is  none  other  than 
a  tranflation  of  that  framed  and  publifhed  at 
Dordrecht  in  1  632  by  deputies  from  all  the  Men- 
nonifts  in  Europe.  But  as  the  book  is  fcarce 
I  may  be  allowed  to  mention  fome  particulars. 
,The  Menncnifts  do  not,  like  the  Tunkers,  hold 
the  doctrine  of  general  falvat ion  ;  yet,  like  them* 
they  will  neither  fwear  nor  fight,  nor  bear  any 


(    9>     ) 
civil  office,  nor   go  to  law,    nor  take    intereit 
for  the  money  they  lend  (though   many  break 
through  this  Ian1).     Some    of  them  yet  wear 
their    beards    ;    nor  are   the   ancient   rites  of 
ivafhing  feet,  &c  wholly  out  of  ufe  among  them. 
They,   like  the  Tunkers  ufe  great  plainnefs  of 
fpeech  and  drefs.     This   Jail  is    fo    capital    a 
point  with  them  that  fome  have  been  expelled 
from  their  focieties  for  having  buckles  to  their 
lhoes. and  pocket  holes    to  their  coats.     Their 
church  government,   like  that  of  all    Baptifts, 
is  wholly  democratical  or   republican.     Their. 
miniilers  they   chufe  by  balloting  ;   and  when  | 
two  or  more  are  thus    nominated  they  leave  it  j 
to  the  decifion  of  lots  which  fhall  be  the  man. 
They  do  not  pay  them  ;  nor  do  the    minifters! 
affert  their  right  to  a  livelihood  from  the  gof- 
pcl.     They  are  put  into  their  office  by  the  lay- 
ing on  of  the  hands  of  the  prefbytery   attended   with 
fafing  and  prayer .     They  call  their  ordained  mi- 
niilers Bijhops,  which  term  (though   as  fcrip- 
tural  ispajlcr,  elder  &c)   other  ditfenters  avoid 
as  if  they  were  confeious  that  the  proper  office 
of  a  bifhop  is  not  among  them.     The  brothers 
are  allowed  to  fpeak  in  the  church  by  \v:iy  of 
exhortation  or  expounding  but  are  not  permit- 
ted to  preach  publicly  till  they   obtain  licence  , 
from  the   church.     Thefe,  they  call   preachers  J. 
helps,  ezhcrters.     Their   aim  in  America   is    to  j 
have   a  pious    miniftry    rather  than  a  learned 
one  ;  but  in  Europe  they  covet  both  and  have  / 
a  college  among  them    for  the  purpofe.     The 
epithets  which  thefe  people   give  themfelves  in 
their  writings  are  Harmlefs  chri films,  Reiengelefs 
drift  tans,  Weapon  I  eft  chrijlians  Si  c  ;   and   as  inch 
arc  they  considered  by  the  rulers  oi  the  prov 


(    96    ) 

•vince  and  by  thofe  of  other  ftates.  Remarka- 
ble on  this  fubject  are  the  words  of  the  Dutch, 
embaffador  (van  Beaming)  to  monfleur  deTu- 
renne,  <c  The  Mennonifts  are  good  people  and 
**  the  moft  commodious  to  a  (late  of  any  in 
6i  the  world  ;  partly,  becaufe  they  do  not  af- 
*<  pire  to  places  of  dignity  ;  partly  becaufe  they 
"  edify  the  community  by  the  Simplicity  of 
*'  their  manners  and  application  to  arts  and 
*(  induftry  ;  and  partly  becaufe  we  fear  no  re- 
**  bellion  from  a  feci  who  make  it  an  article  of 
*'  their  faith  never  to  bear  arms".  The  faid 
induftry  and  frugality  they  carried  with  thena 
to  Pennfylvania,  and  thereby  are  become  very 
•wealthy.  Some  raennonlft  families  were  in  the 
province  as  early  as  the  year  1692  who  came 
hither  from  Newyork  government  which  at 
iirft  belonged  to  the  Dutch  and  was  called New- 
netherlandy extending  from  the  riverDeiaware  to 
the  river  of  Connecticut.  They  fettled  in  the 
'neighbourhood,  now  called  Germantown  and 
jprankfort,  &c.  Other  families  foon  followed  ; 
and  after  them  many  came  dire&ly  from  Eu- 
rope, in  fo  much  that  May  23  1708  there  was 
a  church  fettled  at  Germantown  coniifting  of 
52  members,  which  exifts  to  this  day,  and  is 
not  only  the  iirft  in  the  province  but  in  fome 
fort  the  mother  of  all  the  reft.  The  names  of 
the  members  were,  Rev.  Jacob  Godtfchalk, 
William  Rittenhoufe,  Harmon  Cafdrop,  Mar- 
tin Kolb,  Ifaacvan  Centern,  Conrad  Johnfon, 
Henry  Caffel  and  their  wives,  Harmon  Tey- 
ner,  John  Kry,  Peter  Connerts,  Paul  Klump- 
kes,  Arnold  van  VofTen,  John  Kolb,  Jacob 
Kolb,  Wynant  Bowman,  John  Gorgas,  Cor- 
3aelius  ClafTen,  Arnold  Kofter,  Mary  Tuynen, 


(  97  ) 
Helena  Krey,  Gartrudc  Conners,  Mary  ran 
VoiTen,  Barbara  Kolb,  Ann  Uowman,  Marga- 
ret Huberts,  Mary  Sullen,  Elizabeth  Hufters, 
Margaret  Tuyfen,  Altien  Revenltock,  John 
Nife,  Hans  Nife,  John  Lcnfen,  Ifaac  Jacobs, 
Jacob  lfaacs,  Hendrick  Sellen,  John  Connerrs, 
Peter  Keyfer,  Herman  Kofter,  Chriftopher 
Timmerman,  Sara  van  Centcrn,  Civilia  Con- 
nerts,  Altien  Tuyfen,  Catherine  Caffclb^rg, 
Civilia  van  VolTen.  In  about  16  years  after, 
this  church  had  branched  out  to  Skippek,  Co- 
neftogo,  Greattwamp  and  Monatony  and  be- 
come 5  churches  ;  to  which  appertained  16  mi- 
nifters,  viz.  Rev.  oieflieurs  Jacob  God-fchalk, 
Henry  Kolb,  Martin  Kolb,  Cleas  Johnfen,  Mi- 
chael Zeigler,  John  Gorgas,  John  Cone 
Cleas  Rittinghaufen,  Hans  Burghaltzer,  Chri- 
ftian  Heer,  Benedict  Hirchy  (who  is  yet  alive) 
Martin  Beer,  Johannes  Bowman,  Vei  eCk 
Daniel  Langanecker  and  Jacob  Beghtly.  The 
pre  lent  (late  of  the  Mennoniits  in  this  province 
is  as  follows  (i)  Their  churches,  which  con- 
tain many  branches,  are  13  (2)  The  meeting 
houfes  belonging  to  them  are  42  (3)  Their  or- 
dained miniiters  or  bifhaps  are  15  (4)  Their 
probationary  or  licenfed  preachers  are  $3  (5) 
The  families  are  about  8  10,  which,  allowing  5 
to  a  family,  contain  4050  foi.ls  ;  wher 
perfons  are  baptized  and  members  of  their  chur- 
ches.    This  account,  I  believe,  is   pretty    cx- 

except  the  county  of  Lancafter  hath  intro- 
duced any  error  into  it  ;  for  in  that  county  I 
have  not  met  with  as  much   readinef:  to   gi/c 

the  informations  I  fought,  as  in  the  other 
counties  :  owing,  I  believe,  to  a  fufpicion  that 
a  taowkdge  of  their  (late  would  fome  way  or 


I 


(    98     ) 
other  b«  to  their  prejudice.     The  Mennonifts 
which  border  on  Maryland  fhall  be  mentioned 
when  we  come  to  treat  of  the  Baptifts  in  that 
province. 

APPENDIX      I. 

Dr.  Douglas  in  his  hiftory  of  the  provinces 
(Vol.  2.  p.  ijo)  faith  "  I  am  well  informed 
that  at  prefent  in  Pennfylvania  there  are  fix- 
teen  or  feventeen  different  forts  of  Anabaptifts, 
Englifh  and  German"  This  hiftory  was  pub- 
limed  in  1753  ;  at  which  time  and  long  before 
there  were  no  other  forts  befides  thofc  already 
mentioned,  viz.  Firftday  baptifts ,  S event bday baptifts, 
*Tunkerbaptifts  and  Men?io?iiftbaptifts  ;  and  thefe 
laft  are,  in  a  great  meafure,  baptifts  in  name 
rather  than  in  fact.  Of  the  number  and  ftate 
of  thefe  four  forts  I  have  already  given  feparate 
accounts.  I  will  now  drop  the  diftinclions,  and 
put  them  and  their  affairs  in  one  point  of  view, 

Baptift  churches  in  Pennfylvania      ■  42 

Members  or  communicants         ■■  ■    ■  2920 

Meetinghoufes g 65 

Families I005 

Souls,  allowing  5  to  a  family,       9S^S 

Minifters  ordained         35; 

Minifters  licenfed  or  probationary         — •      69 

APPENDIX      II. 

The  pecuniary  terms,  pounds*  Jlrillings,  pence, 
having  been  ufed  in  the  foregoing  (beets,  it  may 
be  proper  toobferve,  that  in  Pennfylvania  the 
{Unas  they  exprefs  are  lefs  in  value  by  one  third 


(    99     ) 
than  the  fums  which  the  fame  terms  exprefs  iq 
Greatbritain.     Sub  (tract  the    third   from  any 
ium  and  the  remainder  will  be  fterling. 

APPENDIX      III. 

In  p.  62  it  was  obferved  that  the  epifcopali- 
ans  poffeffed  themfelves  of  a  meeting  houle  and 
Jot  belonging  to  the  baptitts  in  Oxford  town- 
fhip  ;  and,  in  p.  45,  that  they  attempted  a  like 
thing  at  Philadelphia.  Prior  to  this  laft,  Rev. 
Mr.  Clayton  (epifcopal  minifter  of  faid  Phila- 
delphia) laboured  to  pofTefs  himfelf  of  the  bap* 
till  congregation  in  the  fame  city.  The  fol- 
lowing letter  (addreffed  to  Mr,  Clayton)  will 
give  as  good  a  notion  of  the  affair  as  may  be 
expected  at  this  difcance  of  time. 

"SIR, 
Whereas  we  received   a  letter  invitatory 
from  you  to  return  to  your  church  of  England 
(dated  Sep.  26.   1698)  wherein  you  defire    us 
to  fend  you  in  humility  and  without  prejudice  the  ob- 
jections ivfyive  may  not  be  united  in  one  communion  ; 
and  withal  that  you  dAuh  not  but  hy  the  Hefirig  and 
of  Cody  you  will  be  able  to  Jbenv  the;::  to  fa 
bling  blocks i  made  ly  our  wills,  and  not  1 
reafon  ;  and  ibme  of  us  in  behalf  of  the  reil 
having,  on  the  reception   thereof,  given  you  a 
vifit  and    had   difcourfe  with  you   concerning 
fome  of  the  ceremonies  of  your  church   (about 
which  you  gave  no  fatisfaclion)  we  knew    noc 
that  you  expected   any  other  aufwer  from  us  ; 
but  in  your  late  letter  to  John  Watts  yon  figrJ- 
fy>  that  you  have  received  no   anfwer  to   your 
ae*  letter  ;  we  therefore   taking  tlya  i»ta 


(       100      ) 

confideraticn  dofignify,  in  anftVer  to  your  fore- 
£iid  invitation  and  propoial,  That  to  rend  from 
a  rightly  conftituted  church  of  Chrift  is  tha£ 
which  our  fouls  abhor  ;  and  that  love  peace 
and  unity  with  all  chriftians  and  concord  and 
agreement  in  the  true  faith  and  worfhip  of  G  od 
are  that  which  we  greatly  defire  ;  and  wefhould 
be  glad  if  yourfelf  or  others  would  inform  us 
wherein  we  err  from  the  truth  and  ways  of 
Chrift  ;  nor  are  we  at  all  averfe  to  a  reconcili- 
ation with  the  church  of  England,  provided  it 
can  be  proved  by  the  holy  fcriptures  that  her 
conftitution,  orders,  officers,  worfhip  and  ier- 
vice  are  of  divine  appointment,  and  not  of  hu- 
man invention.  And  fmce  you  yourfelf  are 
the  perfon  that  hath  given  us  the  invitation 
and  hath  promifed  to  fhow  us  that  our  objeftion' 
are  Jiumbling  block!  'made  by  our  wills  and  not  by  our 
reafon  ;  and  we  underftanding  that  our  lord  jefus 
Chrift  is  the  only  head,  king,  lord  and  lawgiver 
of  his  church  whom  all  are  bound  to  hear  and? 
obey  under  the  fevere  penalty  of  an  utter  ex- 
tirpation from  among  the  people  of  God  ;  and 
that  his  laws  and  will  are  only  to  be  found  in 
and  known  by  the  facred  fcriptures  which  are 
the  only  fupreme,  fufficient  and  (landing  rule 
of  all  faith  and  worfhip  ;  and  not  underftand- 
ing the  conftitution  of  your  church  (with  all 
the  orders,  officers,  worfhip  and  fervice  at  this 
day  in  ufe  and  maintained  therein)  to  be  agree- 
able thereto  and  warranted  thereby,  hath  been 
the  caufe  of  our  feparation  from  her,  and  is  the 
objection  we  have  to  make,  or  the  Humbling 
block  which  lies  in  our  way  to  fuch  an  union 
and  communion  as  you  defire  ;  we  therefore 
hope  and   expect,  according  to  your  promife, 


(  ioi  ) 
that  you  will  endeavour  its  removal  by  fhowing 
us  from  holy  fcripture  thefe  two  things  asabfo- 
lutely  necefTary  in  order  thereunto  ( i }  That  the 
formation  of  your  church,  with  all  the  orders, 
officers,  rites  and  ceremonies,  now  in  ufe  and 
praclifed  therein,  are  of  divine  inftitution  ;  par- 
ticularly, That  the  church  of  Chrift  under  the 
Newteftament  may  confift  or  be  made  up  of  a 
mixed  multitude  and  their  feed  even  all  that 
are  members  of  a  nation  who  are  willing  to  go 
under  the  denomination  of  Chriftians,  whether 
they  are  godly  or  ungodly,    holy  or  profane  ; 

that  lords  archbifhops  and  diocefan  lords 

bifhops,  fnch  as  are  now  in  England,  are  of  di- 
vine inftitution  and  appointment ; that  the 

government  of  the  church  of  Chrift  under  the 
gofpel  is  to  be  prelatical,  according  as  it  is 
pra&ifed  this  day  in  your  church  ;  and  that 
your  ecclefiaftical  courts  are  of  divine  appoint- 
ment ; that  particular  churches  or  congre- 
gations with  their  minifters  or  elders  who  have 
power  and  authority  to  receive  perfons  into 
membership,  have  not  likewife    authority   (by 

Math,  xviii,  15 — 18 1  Cor.  v.)  to   execute 

church  cenfures  and  excommunication  upon 
mifcreants,  fwearers,  liars,  drunkards,  adulter- 
ers, thieves,  atheifts,  &c.  ;  but  that  it  is  by  di- 
vine appointment  that  they  muft  be  prefented 
to  their  ordinaries,  and  only  proceeded  againft 
in  your  ecclefiaftical  courts  ;  that  the  fe- 
ver a  1  offices  of  deans ',  fub 'deans ',  chapters,  arckdea- 
cons,  prebendaries •,  chancellors,  comnufjaries,  offici- 
als, regijlers,  canons,  pettxcanons,  vicars,  cboralr, 
apparitors ;  organ: /Is,  vergers,  fviging  men  and  boys , 
feptins,  epijllers,  gofp e/lers]  and  fuch  like  offices 
and  officers  of  your  church  and  ecclefiaftical 


(       102       ) 

courts  are  of  divine  inftitution  or  have  any 
scripture  warrant  to  juftify  them  and  to  bear 

them  harm  lei's  in  the  la  ft  day  ; that  un- 

preaching  minifters  may  celebrate  the  facra- 
ments,  by  fcripture  warrant ; that  their  dif- 
ferent apparel  in  time  of  divine  ferviee,  fuch  as 
hoods,  tippets-,  furpiices,  &c.  are  pf  divine  in- 
ftitution or  have  any   fcripture  warrant  under 

the  iSJewteftament ; that  the  manner  of  the 

public  ferviee  and  liturgy  of  the  church  of  En- 
gland with  the  vifitation  of  the  tick,  burial  of 
the  dead>  churching  of  women,  matrimony, 
cvc.  as  now  in  ufe,  are  of  divine  appointment  \ 

■ that  the  people  ought  by  the  rule  of  God's 

•word  audibly  with  the  minifters  to  fay  the  con* 
fefiion,  lords  prayer  and  creed  ;  and  make 
fuch  anfwers  to  the  public  prayers  as  are  ap- 
pointed in  the  book  of  common  prayer  ; 

that  it  is  God's  holy  will  and  pleafure  that  faint: 
days  or  holy  days  fhould  be  kept  and  obferved. 
by  chriftians,  according  to  the  ufe  of  the  church 

of  England  ; that  inftruments  ofmufick  are 

to  be  ufed  in  Gods  worfhip  under  the  Newteft- 

ament  ; that  infant  bap tifm  is  a  duty  ; 

that  pouring   or  fprinkling  water  is  the  right 

manner  of  baptizing  ; that  your  manner  of 

adminiftring  the  facraments  and  figning  with 
the  fign  of  the  crofs  in  baptifm  are  of  divine 
appointment; — that  godfathers  and  godmothei  3 
are  of  divine  appointment — Thefe  are  fome  of  the 
things  we  deflre  you  to  prove  and  make  plain 
to  us  by  the  holy  fcripture.  But  if  the  cafe  be 
fuch  that  fome  or  all  of  them  cannot  be  there- 
by proved  ;  then  the  (2)  thing  neceflary  to 
«ur  reconciliation  with  your  church  is,  That 
you  wilj  give  us  clear  and  infallible  proof  from 


(       TC3       ) 

God's  holy  word,  fuch  as  will  bear  usharmlefs 
in  the  laftday,  that  our  lord  JeftttChrift  hath  gi- 
ven power  and  authority  to  any  man,  men, convo- 
cation orfynodtomake  conftkuteandfet  up  any 
other  laws,  orders,  officers,  rites  and  ceremonies 
in  his  church  befidesthofe  which  he  hath  appoint- 
ed m  his  holy  word  ;  or  to  alter  or  change  thole 
which  he  hath  therein  appointed  according  as 
may  from  time  to  time  to  them  feem  convenient  ;. 
and  that  we  are  bound  in  conference  towards 
God  by  the  authority  of  his  word  to  yield  obe- 
dience thereunto  ;  or  whether  it  will  not  ra- 
ther be  a  fore  refleclion  upon  the  fufneiency  of 
the  holy  fcriptures,  and  a  high  defamation  o£ 
the  kingly  and  prophetical  ofiices  of  Jefus 
Chrift  to  fuppofe  fuch  a  thing. — Thus  have  we 
in  humility  and  without  prejudice  tent  you  our  ob- 
jections ;  and  if  you  can,  according  to  your  let- 
ter, fhow  them  to  \>z  Jl umblir.g  blocks  made  by  c:ir 
wills  and  not  by  our  reafen  we  fhall  be  very  thank- 
ful ;  and  you  (hall  not  find  us  obftinate  but  rea- 
dy to  accept  your  invitation .  But  until  you  do 
fo  and  prove  the  constitution,  orders,  officers, 
rites  and  ceremonies  of  your  church  to  be  of 
Cod  it  is  but  reafen  that  you  fhould  fufpend  alt 
charge  of  fchifpt  again  ft  us,  and  clefift  from 
blaming  us  for  our  peaceable  feparation  ;  which 
is  all  at  prefent  from  your  loving  friends  wha 
deiire  information  and  unity  among  faints  and 
the  churches  peace  that  God  in  all  things  may 
be  glorified  through  our  lord  Jefus  Chrift.  A* 
men.  Subfcribed  by  us,  members  of  the  gene- 
ral meeting  in  behalf  of  the  reft,  March  n^ 
J 699.        John  Watts  Samuel  Jones 

Joicph  Wood  George  Eaton 

^George  Eaglesfield     Thomas  Bibb/* 


- 


(  io4  ) 
The  times  to  which  the  above  letter  refers 
were  remarkable  for  the  fpirit  of  profelyting, 
excited  chiefly  by  means  of  the  Rev.  George 
Keith,  who,  it  is  faid,  was  admitted  to  orders 
upon  condition  that  he  would  return  to  Penn- 
fylvania  and  endeavour  to  bring  his  party  over 
to  the  church  of  England.  He  and  his  breth- 
ren met  with  fuccefs  at  fir  ft  ;  but  a  copy  of  the 
above  letter  being  made  public  they  were  fome- 
what  embarrafTed,  and  their  progrefs  retarded. 

APPENDIX    IV. 


It  was  obferved  in  p.  45  that  the  baptifts  of 
Philadelphia  did  hold  their  worfhip  at  a  ftore 
houfe  on  Barbados  lot  whither  the  few  prefby- 
terians,  then  in  town,  did  refort  to  hear  baptift 
minifters  ;  and  where  they  were  received  with 
courtefy  and  brotherly  love  for  the  fpace  of  a- 
bout  three  years.  Within  that  time  the  latter 
increafed,  and  had  a  mini  iter  of  their  own,  and 
then  foon  began  to  difcover  an  unwillingnefs 
that  baptift  minifters  fhould  preach  in  the  houfe 
any  longer,  though  the  baptifts  had  a  better 
right  to  it  becaufe  of  prior  occupancy;  and 
further  than  occupancy  neither  could  lay  claim 
thereto,  the  building  being  the  property  of 
traders  who  had  quitted  the  town.  The  fol- 
lowing papers  relate  to  the  affair,  and  may  be 
depended  upon,  as  they  are  extant  in  the  hand- 
writing of  Rev.  John  Watts. 

"  Upon  the  requeft  of  fome  friends  about 
the  2d  month,  in  1695,  John  Watts  had  con- 
fented  to  preach  at  Philadelphia  every  other 
Lord's-day,  and  had  fo  continued  to  do  to  this 


(     io5     ) 

time  (1698)  unlefs  prevented  by  a  hand  of  pro- 
vidence ;  and  divers  of  the  perfons  who  came 
to  that  affembiy  were  prefbyterians  in  judg- 
ment (they  having  no  miniver  of  their  own, 
and  we  having  hitherto  made  no  fcruple  of 
holding  communion  with  them  in  the  public 
worfhip  of  God  and  common  duties  of  religi- 
on ncr  of  admitting  their  minifters,  if  at  any 
time  they  came  amongft  us,  to  pray  and  preacn 
in  our  afTemblies).  But  being  now  provided 
with  a  minifter  from  Newengland  there  appear- 
ed forne  fcruples  on  their  fide,  as  not  being 
willing  to  condeicend  fo  far  to  us  or  to  allow 
our  minifters  the  like  liberty.  For  our  better 
fatisfadtion  touching  their  judgment  in  this 
point,  and  for  the  prefervation  of  love  and  u- 
nity  we  wrote  to  them  as  follows." 

"  To  our  dear  and  well  beloved  friends  and 
brethren  Mr.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  John  Green, 
Jofhuah  Story,  Samuel  Richard  ion  and  the 
red  of  the  prefbyterian  judgment  belonging  to 
the  meeting  in  Philadelphia  ;  the  church  of 
Chrift  baptized  on  confcffion  of  faith,  over 
which  John  Watts  is  pa  ft  or,  fend  falutation 
of  grace  mercy  and  peace  from  God  our  father 
and  from  our  lord  Jefus  Chrift — Dearly  belov- 
ed !  Having  ferioufly  and  in  the  fear  of  God 
confidered  our  duties  of  love  to  and  bearing 
with  one  another  and  receiving  the  weak  in 
faith  ;  and  knowing  that  love  peace  and  unity 
tend  much  to  the  honour  of  Chrift  and  Chrift- 
lanity  and  to  the  conviction  and  converfion  of 
finners  and  the  comfort  and  eftablifhment  of 
believers  ;  and  being  defirous  of  your  company 
heavenward  as  far  as  may  be,  and  as  much  as 
we  can  to  heal  the  breach,  betwixt  us  occafiaaed 


(     *o6     ) 

hy  our  difference  in  judgment  (none  being  yet 
perfect  in  knowledge)  we  have  thought  it  ne- 
ceifary  to  make  to  you  this  proportion  follow- 
ing for  peace  (as  being  the  necellary  term  up- 
on which  we  may  fafely  comfortably  and  peace- 
ably hold  chriftian  communion  together  in  the 
things  wherein  we  agree  in  the  public  wcrlhip 
oi-  God  and  common  duties  of  religion,  as  in 
prayer,  preaching,  praifing  God,  reading  and 
hearing  the  word)  viz.  We  do  freely  confefs 
and  promife  for  ourfelves  that  we  can  and  da 
own  and  allow  of  your  approved  minifters  who 
are  fitly  qualified  and  found  in  the  faith  and  of 
holy  lives  to  pray  and  preach  in  our  aiTemblies. 
If  you  can  alfo  freely  confefs  and  promife  for 
yourfelves  that  you  can  and  will  own  and  allovf 
of  our  approved  minifters  who  are  fitly  quali- 
fied and  found  in  the  faith  and  of  holy  lives 
to  preach  and  pray  in  your  affemblies  ;  that  fo 
each  fide  may  own,  embrace  and  accept  of 
one  another  as  fellowbrethren  and  minifters  of 
Chrift  ;  and  hold  and  maintain  chriftian  com- 
munion and  fellowship.  Unto  which  propofi- 
tion  for  peace  (that  further  difputes  and  vain 
janglings  may  be  prevented)  we  mall  defire,  if 
you  pleafe,  your  plain  and  dired  anfwer  ;  and 
if  it  may  be  by  the  fourth  day  of  November, 
and  left  for  us  at  the  widow  Elton's  houfe  in 
Philadelphia.  Subfcribed  in  behalf  of  the  reft 
the  30th  of  the  8th  month,   1698. 

John  Watts  Thomas  Bibb 

Samuel  Jones  ThomasPotts." 

George  Eaton 
To  this  letter  the  prefoyterians  returned  the 
following  anfwer,    but  not    in    fincerity   how 
goodly  foever  their  words  may  be. 


(  107  ) 
"  To  the  church  of  Chrift  over  which  Mr. 
John  Watts  is  paftor  we  whofe  names  are  un- 
der written  do  fend  falutation  in  our  Lord  Je- 
fus  Chrift — Brethren  and  well  beloved — For  as 
much  as  fome  of  you  in  the  name  of  the  reft 
have  in  a  friendly  manner  fent  us  your  defire 
of  unity  and  communion  in  the  things  of  God 
as  far  as  we  agree  in  judgment  that  we  may 
lovingly  go  together  heavenward  we  do  gladly 
and  gratefully  receive  your  propofal,  and  return 
you  thanks  for  the  fame,  and  blefs  God  who 
hath  put  it  in  your  minds  to  endeavour  after 
peace  and  concord  ;  earneftly  defiring  that 
your  requeft  may  have  a  good  effect  which 
may  be  for  the  edification  of  us '  all  that  we 
may  the  more  freely  perform  mutual  offices  of 
love  one  towards  another  for  our  furtherance 
in  Chriftianity.  But  that  we  may  do  what  we 
do  fafely  ;  and  for  our  more  effectual  carrying 
on  our  aforementioned  defire  we  have  thought 
it  might  be  profitable  to  us  all  and  more  condu- 
cive to  our  future  love  and  unity  that  we  might 
have  fome  friendly  conference  concerning  thole 
affairs  before  we  give  you  a  direct  anfwer  to 
your  propofition  which,  we  have  confidence, 
you  will  not  deny.  And  in  purfuance  hereof 
we  do  requeft  that  fome  of  you  (who  you  think 
beft)  would  meet  with  us  or  fome  of  us  at  a 
time  and  place  you  fhall  appoint  that  what  we 
may  agree  upon  may  be  done  in  order.  Sub- 
scribed in  the  name  of  the  reft,  Philadelphia 
Nov.  3,   1698. 

Jedidiah  Andrews     Herbert  Corry 
John  Green  John  Vanlear 

Samuel  Richardfon  Daniel  Green ," 
David  GiSine 


(     io8     ) 

*'  According  to  their  requeft  for  a  meeting 
of  conference  we  appointed  the  19th  of  the  9th 
month  for  that  purpofe  at  their  and  hitherto 
our  common  meeting  houfe  in  Philadelphia 
near  Mr.  Andrews's  lodgings,  and  acquainted 
fome  of  the  fubfcribers  thereof ;  and  accord- 
ingly three  of  us  went  to  town  to  hear  what 
they  had  to  propofe  to  us.  And  early  in  the 
morning  we  fent  word  to  Mr.  Andrews  defiring 
his  and  their  company  ;  but  he  excufed  him- 
felf  with  faying  that  he  knenv  it  not  to  be  the  day 
hut  took  it  to  be  the  Second  day  after.  Having  tar- 
ried till  near  fun  fet  ;  and  under  (landing  by 
fome  of  his  friends  how  the  matter  was,  we 
wrote  to  them  as  folio  we  tm" 

c(  To  our  well  beloved  friends  and  brethren 
m  Chrift  Jefus,  Mr.  Andrews,  Mr.  Giffing,  Mr. 

Corry  &c.  grace  and  peace  be  multiplied - 

We  having  made  to  you  a  proportion  for  peace 
and  unity,  and  having  received  your  letter 
wherein  you  defired  of  us  firft  fome  friendly 
conference  at  a  time  and  place  that  we  mould 
think  convenient  before  you  could  give  us  a  di- 
rect anfwer  ;  we  accordingly  appointed  this  day 
in  this  place,  and  you  living  near  together  we 
expected  to  have  met  with  you  /upon  notice  gi- 
ven) that  we  might  hear  what  you  had  further 
to  propofe  to  us.  But  for  as  much  as  we  miff- 
ed of  our  expectation  of  meeting  and  confer- 
ing  with  you  after  your  requeuing  it  ;  and  con- 
fidering  what  the  defires  of  divers  people  are 
and  how  they  ftand  affected,  and  that  we  are 
not  like  to  receive  anfwer  to  our  reafonable  pro- 
portion neceflity  conftrains  us  to  meet  apart 
from  you  till  fuch  time  as  we  receive  an  anfwer 
and  are  affured    that  you  can  own  us  fo  as  we 


(  109  ) 
ran  do  you  ;  though  ftill  we  remain  the  flimc 
as  before  and  (land  by  what  we  have  written. 
No  more  at  prefent,  but  prayers  for  you,  and 
deareft  loves  to  you  in  Chrift  Jefus.  Philadel- 
phia, Novem.  19   1698 

John  Watts 
Samuel  Jones 
Evan  Morgan 

"  Whereupon  the  next  day  following,  being 

the  Lords  day,   we  met  apart  from  them " 

This  was  what  the  prefbyterians  wanted  in  re- 
ality, as  more  plainly  appeared  foon  after  ; 
.particularly  in  a  letter  directed  to  one  Thomas 
Revell  of  Burlington,  and  figned,  Jedidiah  An- 
drews   wherein    are  thefe  words  " tho' 

we  have  got  the  Anabaptifts  out  of  the  houfe 
yet  our  continuance  there  is  uncertain  ;  and 
therefore  mud  think  of  building  notwithstand- 
ing our  poverty  and  the  fmallnefs  of  our  num- 
ber— " 

APPENDIX       V. 

Some  account  has  been  given  of  Rev.  Elias 
"Keach  in  p.  10.  Since  that  I  have  met  with 
a  book  of  his  containing  a  confeflion  of  faith, 
a  church  covenant,  treatife  of  discipline,  &c. 
To  the  book  is  prefixed  his  effigies,  whereby  it 
appears  that  in  1697  he  was  thirty  years  of 
age.  I  have  alfo  found  one  of  his  letters  di- 
rected to  the  Rev.  John  Watts  of  Pennepek 
which  would  have  been  inferted  in  p.  10  had  it 
come  to  my  hands  in  due  time,  becaufe  it  leads 
further  into  the  character  and  hi  (lory  of  that 
good  man.     The  date  and  locality  of  the  let- 


(     no     ) 

ter  are  thus  expreffed  "  From  my  houfe  m 
Long- walk  near  St.  Mary  Magdalene's  church 
at  the  lower  end  of  Barnaby  ftreet  in  South- 
ward London,    the   12th  month,   20th  day, 

1693-4" 

"  Rev.  and  dear  brother  Watts 
Grace,  mercy  and  peace  be  multiplied  t& 
you  (to  your  dear  wife  and  to  all  my  dear 
brethren  and  fitters  with  you)  from  God  our 
father  and  from  our  lord  Jefus  Chrift  - —  I  was 
glad  to  receive  a  letter  from  you  lad  fummer  ; 
and  it  was  the  fir  ft  and  the  all  that  I  have  yet 
received  from  your  parts.  I  fee,  brother,  you 
have  not  forgotten  me.  It  is  well.  Neither 
have  I  forgotten  you  nor  my  brethren  with  you 
but  have  you  all  in  my  prayers,  tho'  I  doubt 
fome  of  them  have  al  mo  ft  forgotten  me,  feeing 
their  chriftian  love  is  not  at  all  minded  to  me, 
except  that  of  my  dear  fifter  Dungan  and  fa- 
mily ;  nor  do  any  of  them  write  to  me.  In- 
deed I  was  under  great  temptations  and  under 
great  trials  and  troubles  among  you  ;  and 
fome,  I  fuppofe,  were  defirous  of  getting  rid 
of  me,  that  is  to  fay,  had  rather  have  my  room 
than  my  company.  Satan  did  ftoutly  beftir 
Kimfelf.  But  the  fecret  and  alwife  hand  of 
Jehovah  was  in  it  to  bring  about  his  eternal  pur- 
pofe  for  the  converfion  of  many  fouls  under  my 
miniftry  in  this  great  city.  I  having  baptized 
into  the  church  (which  I  have  gathered  fmce  I 
came  hither  and  over  which  I  am  ordained  a 
paftor)  about  130  perfons  in  the  fpace  of  about 
nine  months  to  the  admiration  of  all  the  chur- 
ches in  the  city  ;  and  we  have  continual  addi- 
tions and  are  like  to  be  a  numerous  and  great 
people.     Glory  be  to  God  in  the  higheft.    We 


(  ill  ) 

were  conftituted  laft  April  ;  and  I  was  after- 
wards ordained  by  imposition  of  hands  in  pre- 
fence  of  a  great  congregation  by  my  honoured 
father  and  the  Rev. 'brother  Hereules  Collins. 
As  to  news,  the  war  is  like  to  continue  ;  ma- 
ny impoveri&ed  and  undone  ;  provifion  very 
dear  ;  great  preparation  by  fea  and  land  for 
the  expedition  of  this  rummer  enfuing.  The 
Lord  only  knows  what  the  event  will  be.  We 
are  full  of  expectation  of  great  changes  over 
the  whole  world.  Many  are  waiting  for  the 
coming  and  kingdom  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  ; 
and  we  are  apt  to  conclude  that  it  will  be 
uihered  in  by  the  miraculous  effufion  of  the 
holy  Spirit  as  in  the  primitive  times.  And 
the  Lord  jefus  to  confirm  the  truth  of  his  di- 
vinity hath  begun  already  to  work  miracles  a- 
rnong  us  ;  a  very  cecrepid  and  crooked  french 
girl  (of  about  14  years  of  age  here  in  the  city- 
reading  in  the  goipel  concerning  the  miracles 
of  Chrill)  was  made  to  believe  Chrift  would 
cure  her  ;  and  immediately  there  was  heard  a 
crackling,  and  rlie  was  cured  and  made  ftraight 
though  ilie  had  been  very  crooked  from  a  child. 
This  was  done  this  winter,  and  is  an  infallible 
truth.  Alio,  fmce  this,  a  wicked  wretch  (be- 
ing a  fhepherd  to  a  gentlewoman  at  Hitchin  in 
Hartfordlhire  an  1  an  infirm  perfon  much  trem- 
bled with  the  painful  fwellings  and  ulcers  of 
the  king's  evil)  as  he  was  hearing  a  fermon 
from  an  eminent  gofpel  preacher,  at  Hitchin  a- 
forefaid,  was  converted,  and  though  lame  went 
home  from  the  meeting  leaping  and  fkipp inl- 
and praiiing  God  and  admiring  his  free  grace, 
being  cured  at  once  in  foul  and  body.  This 
alfo  '153  great  truth.     I  might  inftance  more  ; 


(  ««  I 

but  tliis  is  enough  to  fet  your  congregation  to 
work.  And  no  doubt  you  will  hear  of  greater 
things  than  thefe  ere  long.  Brother,  be  ready* 
Stir  up  the  church  to  prepare  to  meet  chrift  in 
the  clouds.  Be  folic!  and  humble  in  the  confe- 
deration of  thefe  things.  Look  out,  we  are 
come  almoft  to  the  end  of  the  worlds.  I  am  a~ 
£rald  left  any  of  you  fhoulcl  be  unfound  in  your 
principles.  If  you  do  not  trull  to  the  active 
and  paCuve  obedience  of  chrift  as  the  only  mat- 
ter of  your  juftincation  you  are  befide  the  foun- 
dation. That  you  may  be  rightly  informed. 
and  well  grounded  in  this  great  point  I  have 
fent  you  (as  a  token  of  my  love  to  your  foul 
•and  the  fouls  of  them  who  are  with  you)  four 
iermons  of  rntriej  in  print,  by  brother  Samuel 
More,  It  is  a  plain  difcourfe,  but  preached 
-at  the  chief  meeting  houfe  in  the  city  to  a 
great  and  learned  auditory.  I  blefs  God  for 
the  light  I  have  received  fmce  I  came   hither. 

0  brother,  I  never  faw  clearly  into  the  glori- 
ous gofpel  till  I  came  to  London  this  laft  time. 
Gofpel  light  hath  broke  forth  here  more  of 
late  in  thrte  or  four  years  than,  I  believe,  (ince 
the  apoftacy.  Arminianifm  and  Socinianifm 
begin  to  gafp  for  life.  Univerfal  redemption 
and  falling  from  grace  are  almoft  heart  fick. 
BleMed  be  God  for  the  clear  revelation  of  his 
grace  in  the  everlafting  covenant.     O  brother, 

1  am  afraid  left  you  ihould  be  in  the  dark  about 
the  covenant  of  grace,  and  want  light  into  the 
eternal  compacl  between  the  father  and  fon. 
Pray  read,  weigh  and  take  in  thofe  precious 
plain  truths  in  my  book.  I  have  a  tender  care 
of  you  and  of  all  thofe  lambs  the  Lord  made 
me  inftrumental  to  gather  among  you.     Bro- 


(  US  ) 
ther,  take  heed  how  and  with  what  you  feed 
thofe  fheep  which  Chrift  hath  purchafed  with 
his  own  blood.  Let  me  hear  often  how  it 
fares  with  you.  How  your  fouls  thrive  ;  and 
what  addition  of  members  you  have.  I  hope 
they  *  of  Burlington  and  you  of  Pemmepekn 
are  conjoined  into  one  church.  Pray  encou- 
rage young  gifted  brethren.  Keep  up  meet- 
ings of  conference.  Stir  up  the  brethren. 
Don't  let  them  fleep  ss  others  do.  Take  heed 
of  the  fins  and  heretics  and  errors  of  the  place. 
Strive  for  peace  with  all  men.  Provoke  one  a- 
nother  to  love  and  good  works.  Pray  earned:- 
]y  for  me  that  I  may  be  kept  humble  and  faith- 
ful, and  that  my  poor  labours  may  yet  be  fuc- 
ceeded  with  a  bleffing.  Brother,  I  have  lent 
you  two  books  more  ;  pray  improve  them  both  ; 
they  were  lately  put  forth  by  my  father  ;  one 
is  called,  The  ax  laid  to  the  roct,  ie.  the  other,  A 
counter  antidote  again  ft  infant  baptifr:.  Doctor 
Wright  is  alive  and  is  now  a  particular  baptift. 
His  daughter,  Mrs.  Jane  Wright,  lives  with 
us  and  was  lately  baptized  by  me  and  is  a  mem- 
ber of  our  church.  I  and  my  wife  are  both 
but  indifferent  as  to  health.  Our  dear  loves, 
with  my  father's,  are  to  you  and  to  your  wife 

*  There  was  a  little  baptift  church  at  Burlington  plant- 
ed by  Mr.  Keach  about  the  year  i6qq  ;  which  was  one  ot 
the  two  that  he  is  Lid  to  have  gathered  in  this  country. 
Sec  L>  ,p*  3°9-     The  names   of  the   members 

,    Thomas  Bibb,    Thomas  Potts    and  Ann    his 
niel  Douglas  and  Emblem  his  wife,  Edmund  Wells, 
in  Gill.  John   Joiner,  Na'thaniel  Weft 
Elizabeth  his  wife.     They  br<  :d  Pen- 


(     114     ) 
and  to  all  our  brethren  and  fillers   by  name  % 
from  jour  unworthy  brother  and  fervant 

EliasKeach." 
"  P.  S.  My  dear  love  to  brother  Afhton  and 
Wife,  to  brother  Duffield  and  wife  (his  brother 
Robert  is  dead  though  I  have  not  yet  been  in, 
Kent  nQr  Suflex),  to  brother  George  and  John 
Eaton    and   their    wives,  to  old  brother  John 
Baker,  to  brother  Jof.  Meridith  (if  he  come  o- 
ver  I  will  ferve  him  what  I  can),  my  duty  to  fa- 
ther *    Holmes  and  mother,    love    to   all  the 
world.     My  wife's  love  to  all,  and  my  daugh- 
ter Hannah's  love   to  all  ;    me  is  now  a  great 
girt     I  have  no    more    alive,  and  know    not 
whether  I  ever  ihall.     I  have  alfo  lent  you  by 
brother    Samuel   More  (fealed  in  a  paper  by 
themfelves)   the  few  imall  books  following  as  a 
token  of  my  clear   love   to  you,     Though  the 
books  be  fmali  the  matter  is  facred  and  weigh- 
ty ;  pray  cover  thole  which  are  not  covered 
and  let  our  brethren  have  the  perufal  of  them, 
but  take  care  of  them.     I  was  in  hade  other- 
wife  you  ftiould  have  had  them  in  better  order. 
The  books  are >  A  counter  antidote  to  purge  ov.t  the 

*  He  calls  him  father  in  reverence  to  his  age  ;  for 
TU'Ige  or  prefident  Mordant!  (from  whom  the  manor  of 
Moreland  is  named)  was  father  to  Mr.  Keach's  wife.  Her 
name  was  Mary  Moreland.  By  her  he  had  a  daughter 
named  Hannah  who  married  in  London  to  one  Harrifon. 
This  Harrifon  had  one  fon  by  her,  named  John  Elias 
Reach  Harrifon  who  arrived  in  this  country  about  the 
year  1734  and  poileiTed  part  of  the  Moreland  eftate  in 
H&ht  of  his  mother.  He  lived  at  the  Billet  and  was  a 
worthy  member  of  the  Baptiil  church  of  Southampton. 
His  wife  was  one  of  the  Coarfons  who  bore  him  a  fon 
that  now  lives,  with  his  family,  at  Tenicum  near  Dela- 
ware ;  fo  that  we  have  among  us  yet  the  offspring  though 
not  the  name  of  Kiias  Reach > 


(    us    ) 

Malignant  effects  of  a  late  counterfeit  ;  two  books 
more  of  my  father  called,  The  ax  laid  to  the  root. 
A  little  piece  called  London  s  ***  [illegible  **] 
of  a  proud  Spiral  being  a  fearful  example  of  a  late  a- 
theijl  ;  half  a  fliect,  being  A  true  copy  of  a  letter 
of  the  miraculous  cure  at  Hit  chin  ;  one  book  on 
justification,  or  my  four  laft  iermons  at  Pinner's 
hall  morning  leclure  (where  it  is  fnppofed  I 
had  1500  hearers),  in  all  feven  pieces  final!  and 
great.  Brother,  pray  do  not  flip  any  oppor- 
tunity to  write  to  me.  I  look  upon  myfelf  dill 
concerned  with,  you  and  the  church  to  give 
what  advice  and  help  I  can  at  fuch  a  diftance* 
Tell  my  brother  Foiler,  that  my  affairs  in  the 
church  have  as  yet  hindered  me  from  travel- 
ing into  Kent  and  Suffex.  I  know  not  yet  hew 
matters  (land  there,  but  hear  that  his  brother 
Robert  has  been  dead  above  a  year.  Tellium 
I  intend  to  write  to  him  by  th>e  fir  ft  opportuni- 
ty 

Elias  Keaeh." 

APPENDIX       VI. 

The  prefent  generation  of  baptifts  in  Penn- 
fylvania  and  the  other  colonies  (german  bap- 
tills  excepted)  have  fome  how  realoned  them- 
felves  out  of  the  pra&ice  of  anointing  the  fick 
for  recovery,  not  believing  that  the  fame  kind 
ofreafoning  [purfued]  would  lead  them  to  dis- 
continue every  pofitive  rite,  as  it  actually  led 
Barclay  and  thouiands  befides.  Our  pious 
fore  fathers  in  this  province  practifed  the  rite 
frc  [uently  and  fucccfsfully  as  might  eafily  be 
Ihown.  See  two  examples  p.  2:.  28.  The 
lame  may  be  fold  of  the  bapti:ls  in  Grerubri- 


(     n6    ) 

tain  and  Ireland.  Their  progenitors  alfo  ufed 
the  falutary  unction,  whereof  fome  narratives 
have  been  made  public.  Whether  that  of  Col- 
chefter in  Oldengland  hath  been  printed  I  know 
not ;  but  as  the  narrative  hath  lately  fallen  in- 
to my  hands  I  will  prefent  my  reader  with  an 
abridgement  of  it,  after  premifmg  that  the  ma- 
nufcript  (by  its  appearance)  may  be  as  ancient 
as  the  fadl  it  relates ;  and  that  it  was  given  me 
by  my  worthy  friend  Rev.  Ebenezer  Kinnerfly 
who  found  it  among  his  father's  papers 

"  God  in  this  age  hath  not  left  himfelf  with- 
out teftimony  of  his  eternal  power  and  God- 
head, as  will  appear  by  the  following  narra- 
tive-— A  church  at  Tiverton  in  the  Weil  (hav- 
ing one  among  them  whom  they  defigned  for 
their  paftor)  wrote  to  the  church  of  Colchefter 
in  Su(fex  for  a  difmiffion  of  faid  perfon  ;  and 
their  opinion  upon  this  queftion,  Whether  laying 
on  of  hands  in  ordination  was  neceffary  P  The 
paftor  of  Colchefter  being  abfent  I  was  defired 
to  anfwer  the  letter  ;  and  when  I  came  to  the 
query  I  wrote  as  followeth  ;  Laying  on  of  ha?ids 
being  an  inftgnifcant  thing*  only  as  it  denotes,  the 
■perfon  ordained  and  having  no  power  to  convey  any 
miniferial  gifts  we  judge  it  a  mere  ceremony  (tike 
anointing  the  Jick  and  wafing  feet )  which  ceafed 
with  the  apoflles.  This  letter  the  church  would 
not  fignbecaufe  fome  alledged  that  thofe  rites 
ought  yet  to  be  praclifed.  I  oppofed  them,  and 
quoted  authors  I  had  read  on  the  fubjecls  ;  but 
to  no  purpofe,  for  the  letter  they  would  not 
fign  ;  and  another  was  drawn  to  their  mind. 
But  from  that  time  I  was  left  in  great  darkneis 
that  I   often  queftioned  my  intereft  ia  Chriftj 


(  "7  ) 
and  kept  many  days  of  falling  and  prayer  {or 
the  return  of  the  light  of  God's  countenance.* 
Thus  I  went  on  for  the  fpace  of  about  two 
months.  Tfcwards  the  latter  end  of  I 
(being  at  St.  Edmund  (bury  in  Suffolk)  I  was 
defired  to  pray  by  a  gentleman  and  his  wife 
who  had  been  long  affiled.  At  prayer  I  was 
much  in  the  dark,  and  thought  I  had  much 
more  need  to  pray  for  my  fall"  than  for  Oth 
which  I  did  in  forne  Click  words  as  thefe. 
haft  thou  Lft  me  0  Lord  ?  Why  haft  thou  hid  thy 
Return,  return,  0  Lord,  arid  lift  up 
the  light  of  thy  countenance  upon  me  !  To  whicil 
it  was  replied  in  thought,  Thou  haft  denied  my 
ordinances  of  laying  en  of hand'!,  anointing  the  Jick 
andiMajhingfett!  I  anfwered,  If 1  knevj  thsrn  to 
be  thy  ordinances,  0  Lord,  I  iucitU  not  deny  them  ! 
Then  it  was  that  I  was  convinced  of  the  conti- 
nuance of  thofe  ordinances,  and  made  to  be- 
lieve that  if  I  praftiied  them  the  Lord  would 
accompany  them  with  a  bletling.  I  was  refol- 
ved.  And  thereupon  the  Lord  reftored  the 
light  of  his  countenance,  and  my  prayer  was 
turned  to  praiie.  When  I  rofe  from  prayer  I 
faid  to  the  gentlewoman  (who  had  the  dead 
pally  in  one  fide)  Miftrefs  !  I  believe  your 
limbs  would  be  reftored  if  you  were  anointed  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord  ;  for  I  am  mo  ft  ftrange- 
ly  convinced  of  that  which  I  ftrongly  oppofed 
not  long  fince.  She  faid  fhe  could  not  fub- 
mit  ;  neither  had  fhe  any  faith  in  it.  I  ufed 
fome  arguments  with  her  ;  but  to  no  purpofe. 
That  day  I  returned  to  Colchefter  ;  and  going 
to  one  Mrs.  Munings  (a  widow  who  kept  a 
milliner's  mop  near  the  market)  I  told  her  how 
I  had  been  convinced  touching  the  ordinance 


{  us  y 

ef  anointing  with  oil.  She  was  much  furpri- 
zed  (knowing  how  vigoroufly  I  had  oppofed 
k)  and  afked,  Whether  I  had  faith  in  the  ap- 
plication of  it  to  her  daughter  ?  I  told  her,  I 
had  ;  and  afked,  Whether  fhe  believed  in  the 
ordinance  ?  She  replied  in  the  affirmative. 
Then  I  afked  the  daughter,  Child  !  do  you 
believe  the  Lord  can  make  you  whole  ?  She 
anfwered,  The  Lord's  hand  is  not  fhortened 
that  it  cannot  fave  ;  neither  is  his  ear  heavy 
that  he  cxnnot  hear.  Well,  faid  I,  if  you  be- 
lieve his  ability  I  believe  his  willingnefs.  Then 
Jiqt  mother  afked  whether  I  would  be  pleared 
to  adminifter  it  ?  I  told  her,  I  would,  but 
not  then,  becaufe  of  my  ftudies,  it  being  the 
laft  day  of  the  week.  On  the  fecond  day  fol- 
lowing (being  to  expound  after  my  wonted 
cufrom  and  the  faid  Mrs.  Munings  being  pre- 
sent) I  went  to  her  horde  ;  and  addrefled  my- 
felf  to  the  bufmefs  in  the  following  manner  ;  I 
prayed  that  God  would  raife  our  faith  in  the 
ordinance,  and  that  we  might  ky  hold  of  the 
promife  ;  then  I  fefc  the  oil  apart,  by  prayer* 
from  a  common  to  a  fpecial  ufe,  and  anointed 
her  three  times  on  the  place  aggrieved  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord  jefus  of  Nazareth.  But 
when  I  came  to  anoint  the  ankle  I  was  a  ft  on  i- 
fhed,  for  her  lamenefs  was  in  this  manner  ; 
her  hip  bone  was  out  of  the  focket  and  would 
run  up  towards  her  arm  ;  her  leg  was  crook- 
ed, and  the  ankle  had  ftarted  out  of  its  place 
ib  that  none  was  to  be  feen  on  the  infide  ;  her 
lefc  foot' was  in  the  form  of  a  (tump.  Her  mo- 
ther does  not  know  whether  fhe  was  born  thus 
or  not,  for  the  cafe  was  difcovered  when  fhe 
was  in  leading    firings,  and  ihe  now  is  about 


(     "9     ) 

i 6  years  r  [any  did  her   mother  ap- 

ply t<  p.      An    eminent    furgeon    being 

call. a  in,  faid,  that  he  v.  ould  not  take  Mrs. 
Munings  money,  becaufe  it  was  not  in  the 
power  of  man  to  remedy  the  cafe,  as  the  cup 
of  the  hip  was  filled  with  a  flefhy  matter  fo  that 
the  bone  could  not  be  reduced  to  its  place  ; 
the  fineWs  were  fhrunk  in  a  heap  under  her 
ham,  and  the  whole  fide  fo  weak  that  fhe  could 
not  lift  a  four  pound  weight  with  that  hand. 
When  I  faw  how  matters  were  (as  I  faid  before) 
my  countenance  fell,  and  I  faid  to  my felf, 
Surely  I  am  worfe  than  a  madman  !  Can 
crooked  limbs  be  made  ftraight  ?  And  with 
that  fuch  a  trembling  feized  me  that  I  could 
not  (lay  my  hand  to  anoint  but  with  the  help 
of  the  other.  In  this  confufion  that  text  drop- 
ped into  my  mind,  Though  thou  belirjejl  not  yet 
ke  abideth  faithful  and  cannot  deny  him f  If  I  had 
no  fooner  done  anointing  but  I  fell  on  my 
knees  hi  an  agony  and  faid,  Lord  I  have  done 
my  part ;  I  have  gone  to  the  extent  of  my  corn- 
million  !  Lord  I  leave  in  thy  hand  the  accom- 
plishment of  the  work  i  While  I  was  thus  fay- 
ing I  funk  into  a  kind  of  a  trance,  and  beheld, 
as  it  were,  the  heavens  open,  and  Chrift  at  the 
father's  right  hand  prefenting  a  petition.  Then 
1  cried  out,  Lord  !  that  is  our  petition  !  and 
we  wait  for  thy  anfwer  !  The  mother  and  fit- 
ters wondered  at  the  expreffion.  But  as  foon 
as  I  faid  the  above  words  I  had  this  text  bro'c 
to  me,  Be  it  unto  you  according  to  your  faith  ! 
When  I  got  oh?  my  knees  I  took  fome  turns  a- 
bottt  the  room,  and  fat  down.  Then  looking 
upward,  faid,  Child  !  the  Lord  hath  made  thee 
whole  !     The  mother  faid,  Sir,  why  do  you 


(     *s°     ) 

fay  fo  before -you  know  ?  I  replied,  Unbelief, 
Hand  thou  by  !  Child  !  the  Lord  Jefus  hath 
made  thee  whole  !  At  which  the  mother  re- 
peated what  fhe  faid  before.  Then  faid  I  with 
greater  vehemence,  Child  !  the  Lord  hath 
made  thee  whole  !  Whereupon  the  damfel 
got  up  and  faid,  What  fhall  I  render  to  the 
Lord  for  all  his  benefits  !  while  you  pronoun- 
ced me  whole  the  fecond  time  my  bones  fnap- 
ed  to  their  places  without  any  pain  !  And  to  our 
,aftonifliment  -we  beheld  her  straight  and  whole 
and  a  full  hand's  breadth  taller  than  fhe  was 
before.  So  fhe  put  forth  her  foot  and  fhowed 
jher  ankle  and  all  was  well.  Her  other  diftem- 
pers  alfo  left  her  ;  and  her  foul  with  ours 
were  filled  with  the  loving  kindnefs  of  the 
Lord  in  fuch  a  manner  that  we  did  not  know 
iiow  to  contain  ourfelves.  Come,  faid  I  to  her 
mother  and  fillers,  let  us  fing  the  praifes  of 
the  Lord.  No  faid  the  mother,  left  the  neigh- 
bours ihould  hear  us.  I  replied,  ShouLd  we 
Jiold  our  peace  the  Hones  in  the  ftreet  would 
cry  out  againft  us.  So  we  fang  the  praifes  of 
God  extempore.  Before  this  the  mother  had 
faid  to  the  girl,  Go,  fee  whether  your  Bro- 
ther cries.  She  went  up  flairs  and  fetched  him 
down  though  a  lul'ly  boy  of  about  five  years 
of  age.  The  day  following  (when  the  mem- 
bers of  the  church  were  called  together)  was; 
fpent  in  thankfgiving,  and  this  relation  was 
figned.  Jan.  i.  1705 — 6 
Thomas  Pryer,  John  Maxey,  Nathaniel  Hicks, 
Sam.  Tod,  jur.  John  Blackfcill,  John  Brown, 
Thomas  Pettly,  Jofeph  Ellingford,  Daniel 
Hart,  Francis  Howard,  Robert  Harris,  Phi- 
lip Stowary,  Benjamin  Smith,  Jeremiah  Bax- 


(  121   ) 

ter,  William  Rawlings,  Sarah  Pryer,  Mary 

Maxev,  Mary  Munings,  Mary  Munings,  jur. 

Elizabeth     Munings,     Sarah    Sped,     Mary 

Capes,  Sarah  Hible. 
N.  B.  The  reafon  why  we,  the  fitters,  have 
figned  this  is,  becaufe  we  have  more,  narrowly 
fearched  her  as  to  the  hip." 

APPENDIX     VII. 

Frequent  mention  having  been  made  in 
the  foregoing  fheets  of  the  ajjbciation  of  Phila- 
delphia it  may  not  be  improper  to  fay  fome- 
thing  of  the  origin- — nature — and  ufefulnefs  of 
it.  The  origin  of  it,  under  its  prefent  name  and 
•regulation,  is  afcertained  by  the  following  pa- 
ragraph in  the  records  of  Pennepek  p.  43. 
€(  Before  our  general  meeting  held  at  Phila- 
-delphia  in  the  7th  month  1707  it  was  conclud- 
ed by  the  feveral  congregations  of  our  judg- 
ment to  make  choice  of  fome  particular  breth- 
ren fuch  as  they  thought  moft  capable  in  eve- 
ry congregation,  and  thofe  to  meet  at  the 
yearly  meeting  to  confult  about  fuch  things  as 
were  wanting  in  the  church  and  fet  them  in 
order  ;  and  thofe  brethren  met  at  the  faid 
yearly  meeting  which  began  the  27th  of  the 
7th  month  on  the  7  th  day  of  the  week,  and  a- 
greed  that  the  faid  meeting  fhould  be  continu- 
ed till  the  third  day  of  the  week  following  in 
the  work,  &c."  The  chofen  brethren  who  met 
were  from  Pennepek,  Middletown,  Pifcataqua, 
Cohanfey  and  Welfhtracl:.  This  was  the  time 
of  the  affociation's  exiftence  ;  and  Rvq  chur- 
ches its  condiments.  Since,  it  has  increafed  fo 
*>  to  coiuaia  34   churches  exclufive  of  thofe 


(       122       ) 

^hieh  have  been  detached  to  form  another  af- 
fbciation.  Before  that  period  (Sept.  27.  1707) 
even  from  the  fir  ft  fettiement  of  baptifts  about: 
Delaware  they  had  fet  up  a  general  meeting 
: for  preaching,  admini  fixing  ordinances,  &c. 
which  meeting  (as  their  then  fcattered  Rate 
required}  was  held  in  different  places.  The 
iirft,  on  record,  was  at  Salem  in  the  month  of 
May,  i<588  when  feveral  were  baptized  and  a 
deacon  ordained.  Penn.  Rec.  page  4,  5.  This 
was  about  three  months  after  Pennepek  church 
was  conftituted  ;  the  next  general  meeting  was 
jheld  at  Lowerdublin  in  the  fall  of  the  fame 
year  ;  the  next  at  Philadelphia  in  March  1 68  9  ; 
the  fourth  at  Burlington  in  the  fummer  follow- 
ing. Afterwards  it  ihiftedto  Cohanfey,  Welfh- 
tract,  Middletown  and  elfewhere.  The  peo- 
ple who  lived  in  each  of  thofe  places  called  it 
a  yearly  meeting  becaufe  it  came  to  them  but 
once  a  year  ;  but  the  minifters  and  others  who 
attended  in  every  place  fpeakof  it  as  a  quarter' 
ly  meetings  becaufe  (I  fuppofe)  in  one  place  or 
another  it  was  held  four  times  within  the  com- 
pafs  of  twelve  or  thirteen  months.  Some  bu- 
fmefs  was  done  at  thefe  meetings  whereof  fee 
one  example  p.  99  ,  but  then  it  was  done  with- 
out the  authority  of  a  delegation.  Thus  they 
went  on  from  1688  to  1707  which  was  a  peri- 
od of  about  19  years;  but  in  the  laft  mention- 
ed year  (Sep.  27)  the  general  meeting  which 
Iiad  been  held  at  Philadelphia  from  1689  was 
transformed  into  An  ajfdciation  of  mejjengers  aw 
thorized  by  their  refpeclive  churches  to  meditate  and 
execute  defigns  of  public  good  \  and  has  been  con- 
tinued in  the  fame  place  ever  fince,  one  year 
excepted.    The  faid  general  meeting  (held  iu 


(       *|3       ) 

three  other  places)  is  called  yearly  meeting  to 
'lis  is  the  ftate  of  matters  now 
i  770.  It  was  pretty  much  the  fame  56  years 
ago,  as  appears  by  a  letter  of  Rev.  Abel  Mor- 
gan, add  relied  to  the  London  minifters  and 
dated  Philadelphia,  Aug.  12.  17.14  "  We  now 
have  for  the  better  affifting  one  the  other  four 
general  meetings  ;  one  at  Welfh  tract  where  all 
the  nennfvlva-  :hes  refer t  in  May  ;   the 

ether  at  Cohan  icy  where  Philadelphia  affifts  ; 
the  third  at  Middletowir  where  Philadelphia 
slfo  arTiils  ;  the  fourth  at  Philadelphia  in  Sep- 
tember where  all  do  refort  and  where  moft  of 
the  public  matters  are  fettled  by  meffengers 
from  every  particular  church. "  The  general 
meeting  of  Middletown  is  moveable.  No  pub- 
lic bufmefs  is  done  at  thefe  three  yearly  meet- 
ings which  makes  fome  neglect  them  as  unmean- 
~'Tcmb!ies.  The  fourth,  or  affociation,  is  a 
meeting   ofbufinefs. 

From  the  origin  of  the  affociation  we  pro- 
ceed to  the  nature  thereof.  It  has  been  before 
ityled  a  confederate  body  of  delegates  from  the  chur- 
ches ;  but  it  is  to  be  obferced  that  their  delega- 
tion raifes  them  no  higher  than  an  a  dvi fry  coun- 
cil ;  it  gives  them  no  eccleliaftical  legislature, 
nor  jurifdiction,  nor  coercive  power,  nor  any 
thing  elfe  which  may  interfere  with  the  rights 
of  particular  churches,  or  thofe  of  private 
judgment.  Some  motions  were  made  in  1766 
and  afterwards  which  (if  admitted  one  way) 
would  have  brought  in,  by  way  of  appeal,  mat- 
ters that  had  been  determined  in  particular 
churches  :  but  an  effectual  oppofition  was  made 
to  the  motions  from  an  apprehenfion  that  as 
loon  as  the  aficciation   ftarts  from  its  prefent 


(     m    ) 

firm  bafis  of  an  advisory  council  To  focm 
"will  it  become  contemptible  for  want  of  power  ; 
or,  having  power,  become  tyrannical,  as  all 
affemblies  of  the  kind  have  proved.  Nay,  the 
very  word  appeal  has  a  caveat  upon  it  in  the 
records,  left  the  judgment  or  advice  which  the 
affociation  give  upon  matiers  brought  before 
them,  by  the  mutual  confent  of  churches  or 
parties  concerned,  Ihould  be  confidered  as  de- 
cisive, or  the  acts  of  a  fuperior  judicature 

The  perfons  who  form  this  afibciation  (as  hint- 
ed before)  are  delegates  or  mefTengers  from  the 
churches.  The  choice  falls  generally  on  the 
$ninifters  and  elders  or  deacons.  With  them 
each  church  fends  a  letter  addreffedto  the  affo- 
ciation containing  the  names  of  their  mefTen- 
gers and  an  exact  account  of  their  church  fiate, 
with  a  fpecificatibn  of  what  advice  or  help  they 
.want— The  time  when  the  affociation  meet, 
is  the  Tuefday  after  the  fecond  Sunday  in  Ocr 
tober.  It  continues  commonly  to  the  Thurf- 
day  or  Friday  following.  Then  the  mefTen- 
gers return  with  letters  to  their  refpective 
churches.  Thefe  letters  contain  an  exact  ac.r 
count  of  the  number  of  communicants  in  each 
church  ;  the  number  baptized,  reftored  by  re- 
pentance, or  ctherwife  added  in  the  year  ;  the 
Dumber  dead,  excommunicated  or  otherwife 
ioft  ;  the  opinion  of  the  affociation  upon  que- 
ries brought  into  it  ;  their  advice  relative  to 
things  whereof  it  was  afked  ;  tfte  times  when 
vacant  churches  are  to  be  fupplie,d>  and  by 
whom  ;  with  minutes  of  the  tranfactions,  &c< 
Th^fe  letters  have  of  late  years  been  printed — . 
The  manner  in  which  the  affociation  is  con- 
ducted is  as  followed*.     After  divine  fervice  (a 


(  12;  ) 
part  of  which  is  a  difcourfe  on  fome  article  in 
the  Century  confeffion)  the  moderator  for  the  pre* 
ceding  year  nominates  a  fuccefTor  and  a  fecre- 
tary  ;  thefe  being  approved  and  feated  the  let- 
ters to  the  affociation  are  called  for,  and  read, 
and  the  names  of  the  meilengers  enrolled, 
which  commonly  fmifhes  the  bufinefs  of  the 
firft  day.  The  next  (and  each  fucceeding) 
day  they  meet  at  appointed  hours,  and  after 
calling  the  roll  over  proceed  to  bufinefs.  All 
matters  are  determined  by  majority  of  voices, 
except  what  are  determined  by  fcripture  ;  inch 
things  are  never  put  to  the  decifion  of  votes. 
All  the  mefTengers  may  freely  fpeak  to  any  mat- 
ter in  hand,  and  make  replies  and  rejoinders, 
obferving  decorum  and  addrefilng  themfelves 
to  the  moderator.  Nothing  is  put  to  vote  till 
all  have  faid  what  they  chufe  to  offer.  The 
bufinefs  of  the  laft  fitting  is  to  frame  and  figu 
the  circular,  and  other  public  letters  ;  to  ap- 
point a  preacher  for  next  affociation,  and  h,v 
fubjecl.  It  fhould  be  obferved  that  ear1;  ~cinS 
and  riling  is  attended  with   prs**r  °7. 

deratcr- Churches- ~.  rec5!  ve,d  \nt0  1J1S 

aiTociationby  pe^ns>  fetrtm?  {oV\h  *eir  de; 
fire  to  be  Emitted  ;  their  faith  and  order,  and 
wilit'iigaefs  to  conform  to  the  rules  of  the  affo- 
ciated  body.  A  petition  being  read,  and  fuff- 
rage  in  its  favour  being  obtained,  the  modera- 
tor declares  that  fuch  a  church  is  received  ;  in 
token  of  which  he*  gives  the  mefTengers  the  right 
hand  of  fcllowfhip,  and  bids  them  take  their 
feats. 

The  laft  thing  propofed  was  to  fay  fome- 
tVing  of  the  ufefulnefs  of  this  affociation.  And 
the  experience  of  63  years  bath  fhown  it  to  he 


{       126      ] 

fo  confiderable  as  to  recommend  fueh  a  com- 
bination of  churches,  were  there  no  divine  pre- 
cept or  precedent  for  it.  I  will  mention  feme 
Jate  inftances  (i)  It  hath  made  the  baptifts  a 
refpectable  body  of  people  in  the  eye  of  other 
focieties  and  of  the  civil  powers  on  this  conti- 
nent— The  baptifts  of  Montague  pleaded  a  law 
of  the  province  for  their  exemption  from  mi- 
nifterial  tax  ;  but  the  court  would  not  hear 
them  till  they  mewed  their  connection  with  a 

branch  of  the  affociation  of  Philadelphia 

Their  brethren  of  Afhfield  had  395  acres  of 
land  taken  from  them  towards  building  a  pref- 
byterian  meeting  hcufe  and  paying  a  prefbyte- 
rian  minifter  ;  they  applied  for  help  to  thefaic! 
branch  of  the  affociation  who  have  engaged  the- 
reftoration  of  their  property  by  laying  their 
cafe  before  the  king,  if  they  cannot  fucceed  with 

the  aflembly  of  Bofton —Rev.  John  Davis 

upon  fettling  in  Maryland  was  much  harraffed 
-.J;;^  He  affociation  efpeufed  his  caufe  ;  then  he 
.  K  -«»,  and  is  now  much  e  deemed  in  the 
r,e^n.ourhouo^  _The  rev>  Davld  Ti10mas 
A.  M.  was  roughly  trea^  ^  Virginia  by  both 
rncbsjind  magiftrates  ;  he  appv^  to  the  CQurt 
of  "Vl/iliiamfburg  for  his  qualificatio»s-;n  order 
to  obtain  the  protection  of  the  toleration  a£L 
The  court  would  not  know  him.  He  then  ap- 
plied to  the  affociation  of  Philadelphia  for  ad- 
vice ;  he  had  it,  and  returned,  ifnd  is  now 
tinder  the  protection  of  the  Law Rev.  No- 
ah Hammond  of  Longifland  was  treated  by  his 
neighbours  as  if  he  were  no  minifter  in  the  fenfe 
Oi  the  law  ;  and  confequenliy  theynoifed  it  a- 
broad  that  the  marriages  he  performed  were 
not  legal,  and  that  the  iffue  would  not  be  legU, 


(  I27  J 
timate.  This  greatly  difquieted  him  and  tbA 
parties  concerned  ;  but  upon  the  reception  of 
him  and  his  church  into  the  affociation  the 
clamor  ceafed  (2)  The  faid  combination  or 
churches  has- in  a  good  meafure  remedied  the 
pernicious  effects  of  the  pruritus  praedicandi 
which  rages  fo  much  in  America.  One  of  the 
firft  refolves  is,  "  That  no  man  fhall  be  al- 
lowed to  preach  among  the  affociated  churches 
except  he  produce  credentials  of  his  being  in 
communion  with  his  church,  and  of  their  ha- 
ving called  and  licenfed  him  to  preach".  Be- 
fore this,  rain  and  inefficient  men  would  fet 
chemfelves  up  to  be  preachers,  and  ftrolLabout 
the  country  under  the  name  of  baptift  minil- 
ters  ;  al  fo  minifiers  degraded  and  excommuni- 
cated, who  with  their  infufficiency  and  immo- 
rality brought  difgrace  on  the  very  name  of 
baptifts  (3)  The  faid  affociation  has  been  ve- 
ry beneficial  to  the  churches  concerned  in  ma- 
ny other  refpecls.  Some  have  beea  fupplied 
with  money  towards  erecting  places  of  wor- 
ihip  ;  fome  to  defend  themfelves  again  ft  op- 
preflbrs,  as  is  now  the  cafe  with  refpect  to  the 
churches  of  Newengland,  for  whom  a  confi- 
derable  fum  is  raifed  ;  fome  to  relieve  their  ne- 
ceffities,  as  in  the  cafe  of  the  brethren  of  Kono- 
lowa  who  were  driven  from  their  habitations 
by  the  Indians;  fome  are  affifted  with  counfel 

and  advice  when   in  difficulties  among  them- 

o 

feJves,  as  appears  by  the  records  of  the  aflbci- 
ation ;  fome  with  miniiterial  helps,  whereof 
many  inftances  appear  in  the  yearly  letters  to 
the  churches.  Many  other  evidences  of  its  uti- 
lity might  be  produced.  Of  any  ill  effect  a  ti- 
ding it  I  have  not  known  one  inftance ;  nti- 


(      123      ) 

ther  have  I  heard  any  clamor  aga'mft  It  except 
from  the  felf-made  preachers  and  degraded  cul- 
prits before  mentioned  whofe  trade  is  almoft 
ruined  hereby,    and  who  (like  quack- doctors, 
and  pettyfogging  lawyers)  do  more  harm  than  , 
good  (4)     But  what!  deem  the  chief  advan- 
tage of  this  affociation   (and  indeed  the  fpring 
of  all  the  benefits  before  mentioned)    is,    that 
it  introduces  mto  the  vifible  church  what  are; 
called  joints  and  bands  -whereby  the  whole  body  zV> 
knit  together  and  compacted  for  increafe  by  that  which, 
every  part  fupplieik.    And  therefore  it  is  (as  hint- 
ed in  the  preface)  that  I  am  fo  anxious  to  ren- 
der   the  faid  combination  of  baptift  churches* 
univerfal   upon   this  continent.      And  fhouldr 
God  give  me  fuccefs  herein,  as  in  the  affair  of? 
the    baptift    college,  I  fhall  deem  myfelf  the. 
liappieft  man  on  earth* 

A  P  P  E  ND-IX    VIII, 

Though  it  be  doubtful  whether  a  nation  c£ 
ancient  Britons  (ufually  called  Welfh  Indians  y 
do  exift  in  America  yet  the  grounds  of  the  con- 
jecture are  not  to  be  defpifed.  It  is  no  longer, 
than  1767  fincefome  Indians  from  the  back  o£ 
lake  Superior  averred  at  Quebec  "  That  far. 
weftward  of  them  was  a  tribe  of  white  people 
who  wore  beards,  and  dreffed  differently  from 
the  Spaniards,  French  and  Englifh  ;  that  they 
had  the  ufe  of  arms,  poffeffed  a  well  improved 
country,  but  were  very  ihy  of  the  black  Indi- 
ans, &c."  See  the  account  publiflied  at  Lon- 
don in  the  Ledger  of  Feb.  2 .  1 7  68  .  However, 
our  forefathers  believe^  there  were  fuch  a  peo* 
pie,  as.  appears  by  their  letters \  one, of  whicli 


(     i29     ) 
'reded  to  the    Britiili   Society,  and   J 
Philadelphia,  Mar.  i,  1735 — 4}  is  as  follow- 
ed!. 

Gentlemen, 

M   It  is  not  unknown   to  you    that   Maddoc 

Cwynedd,  prince    of  Wales    did,  about    $00 

i    to  the   '  jral 

Hi?  ps  and  a  great  Dumber  of  his  fubjedts  ;  and 

heard  :es  of  the 

being  found  in  old  and  cfeferted 

fettlefpentfl  about  the  MiffiflSppi,   make  it  pro- 

I  up  that    river.      And   wc^ 

with  brotherly  love  to  ou^coun- 

trymen,  are  meditating  to  go  in  (earch  of  them  ; 

but  are  difcouraged  by  the  di  (lance  of  the  place, 

and  uncertainty  of  the  courfe  we  fhould  iteer. 

If  you  can  give  us  any  information  and  dii 

tion,   together  with  fome  help  to  heap  the  ex* 

pence  we  fhall  find  men  adventurous  enough  to 

undertake  the  expedition  ;  having  no  other  end 

in   view  than    to  carry   the  gofpel  of  peace  a- 

mong  oar  ancient  brethren  ;  and  believing   it 

will  be  to  the  enlargement  of  the  britilh  En 

tnd  a  proof  of  prior  right  to   t>ie 
whole   continent,  (hould   we  happily   fucceed* 
remain,    Gentiemcn,    Your  loving  coua- 
ocn, 

Nathaniel  Jenkins,     John  Davis, 
Benj.  G  David  Evans, 

Jofeph  Eaton,  Rynallt  IJowl 

APPENDIX 

Some   places   are    famous  in  hiftory  for 
[  been  the  baptijlcr'wm  of  the     ancients,    as 
Jordan,  iEnon  and  ikihabura  in   i\. 


(  *3°  ) 
Swale,  Gwenie,  Sec.  in  England,  particularly 
Swale  which  St.  Auftin  is  faid  to  have  confe- 
crated  and  therein  to  have  baptized  ioooo  in 
the  depth  of  winter  about  the  year  595.  And 
why  mould  not  Schuylkill  be -mentioned  with 
Jordan,  Swale  and  Gwenie,  feeing  there  is  a 
like  reafon  for  it,  efpecially  that  part  delineate- 
ed  in  the  frontifpiece  ?  In  this  river  I  have 
baptized  many.  My  predeceiTor,  Rev.  J.  Jones9 
&c.  had  done  the  fame  before  me.  Nay,  a  late- 
clergyman  of  the  church  of  England  was  wont: 
to  make  this  river  his  baptifterion.  The  part" 
above  refered  to  is  about  a  mile  and  a  half 
out  of  Philadelphia  ;  and  is  not  only  conve- 
nient for  the  celebration  of  baptifm  but  raoft 
delightful  for  rural  fceneries.  Hither  the  towns 
people  in  fummer  refort  for  recreation  and  en- 
tertainment. To  this  river  hath  Francis  Hop- 
Mnfon  Efq.  led  his  bards  and  literati:  to  fweep 
their  lyres  and  meditate  on  juftice  and  religi-* 
en  *.  Round  faid  fpot  are  large  oak,  afford- 
ing fine  made.  Underfoot,  is  a  green,  varie- 
gated with  wild  flowers  and  aromatic  herbs. 
Juft  by  was  lately  erected  a  houfe  for  dreffing"- 
and  undreliing,  and  for  the  ufe  of  the  profeucbes 
of  the  ancients.  Act.  xvi,  13  :  it  is  divided  into 
two  rooms  by  a  hanging  partition,  and  fo  con- 
trived that  when  the  partition  is  lifted  up  and 
the  doors  opened,  and  the  folding  fhutter  in 
the  front  let  down,  that  it  refembies  an  alcove, 
facing  a  profpect  of  land,  wood,  water,  rocks, 
hills,  boats,  &c.  In  the  micift  of  this  fpot  is  a 
large  (tone  rifing  about  three  feet  above  ground, 
round  which  I.  have  often  feen  the  people   (h?.- 

*  See  his  pretty  poem,  called  science^ 


(     i.S*     ) 

imitation  of  Chrift,  Lu.  iii,  21)  kneel  to  pray 
after  baptifra  had  been  adminiitred.  The  top 
is  made  level  by  art,  and  fteps  hewn  to  afcend  ; 
on  the  top  itands  the  minifter  to  preach  to  the 
people  who  refor't  thither  to  fee  baptifm  per- 
formed ;  and  a  multitude  of  hearers  he  com- 
monly has.  I  have  once  reckoned  there  32 
carriages,  and  have  often  feen  prefent  from  100 
to  1000  people,  all  behaving  much  better  than, 
in  fome  other  places.  With  thefe  exercifes  of 
religion  and  the  delightfulnefs  of  the  place  ma- 
ny confefs  to  have  had  fuch  feelings  as  the  dit- 
ciptes  when  they  faid,  Lord,  it  is  good  for  us  t& 
be  here  !  Let  us  here  erect  tabernacles  !  By  way 
of  concluflon  to  this  appendix  I  will  add  the 
-hymn  that  is  wont  to  be  fung  in  this  place  up- 
on the  occafions  before  named,  with  force  ad- 
ditions to  accommodate  it  to  HeimJJe\-tu?:e  :  if 
it  be  fung  to  the  old  tune  the  additions  [  in 
crotchets]  mull  be  omitted,  and  two  verfes  Pi;t 
together, 

Schuylkill  Hymn. 

Jefus  matter  O  difcover 
Pleafure  in  us,  now  we  (land 
On  this  bank  of  Schuylkill  river, 
To  obey  thy  great  command, 
[Pleafure  in  us,  pleafure  in  us,  pleafure  in  us, 
fVbo  obey  thy  great  com?nand~\ 

Make  this  ftream,  like  Jordan,  bleffed* 
Leprous  Naamans  enter  in. 
Rife,  faith  Jefus,  be  baptized, 
S3?td  you  ivaf/j  away  your  Jin. 
[Be  baptized,  be  baptized,  be  baptized \ 
Avdyou  wafo  cvway  your  fin\ 


(       132      ) 

Here  the  world  and  fie fh  and  devil 
We  do  folemnly  renounce  ; 
Here  we  vow  to  ceafe  from  evil ; 
And  a  life  to  God  announce. 
\Ceafe  from  evil,  ceafe  from  evil,  ceafe  from  evtl$ 
And  a  lifemto  God  announce* 

Of  our  vows  this  flone's  a  token 
Stone  of  witnefs*  bear  record 
'Gainft  us,  if  our  vows  be  broken 
Or  if  we  for  fake  the  Lord. 

\Solemn  vowing,  folemn  vowing,  folemn  vowing :f 
Stone  of  witnefs  hear  record, .] 

.Help' us,  thou  baptized  Jefus  ! 
What  we  vowed  to  fulfil. 
Of  our  fears  of  failing  eafe  us. 
Form, and  mould  us  to  thy  will. 
\Help  us  Jefus,  help  us  Jefus,  help  us  Jefus? 
What  we  vowed  to  fulfil^ 

Hence  we  go  our  way  rejoicing 
Confcious  of  our  pleafing  God, 
Foll'wing  Jefus  ftill  propofmg 
In  the  paths  his  feet  have  trod. 
£6*0  rejoicing,  go  rejoicing,  go  rejoicings 
Confcious  of  our  p leafing  Cod  J 


*  And  Joihua— took  a  great  ftone,  and  fet  it  up  there 
under  an  oak,  that  was  by  the  fanftuary  of  the  Lord, 
And  Jofhua  faid  unto  all  the  people,  Behold,  this  (tone. 
(hall  be  a  witnefs  unto  us;  for  it  hath  heard  all  the  words 
of  the  Lord  which  he  fpake  unto  us  :  it  fliall  be  there- 
fore a  witnefs  unto  you,  left  ye  deny  your. God.  Jqffnm 
xxiv,  atfj  *7V 


(     133     I 

E    R    R    A    T    A.' 

The  errors,  both  of  the  printer  and  of  the 
Writer,  which  have  been  difcovered  in  the  fore- 
going fheets  may  be  thus  rectified, 

for  one  read  partly 

for  the  ether  read  and  partly 

for  Tunckers  read  Tv.nkers 

for  purchas  read  pur -chafe 

for  Elizabeth  read  Eleav.:*- 

for  1688  read  1687—8 

for  con f el  read  coimfel 

dele  and  ordained 

for  Elias  read  Silas 

for  *7/.?  tffr<?  read  a  piece 

for  tomhflme  read  headJlo?ie 

for  i/«j£  Morris  read  /^w^  James 

for  Bonha??is  read  2?c»^r 

for  19  read  29 

for  one  year  read  ten  years 

for  20  read  23 

f or  fame  year  read  following  year 

for  7X0'/  Kil/ingwort  bread  John  Watts  42 

for  Jedediah  read  Jedidiah 

for  1690  read  1686 

for  Llanfemach  read  Llandydocb 

for  1761  read  1760 

for  Nrwbritain  read  Moritgzmery 

for  3252  read  3250 

for  668  read  678 

for  31  read  34 

for  ^W  read  /W£ 

for  was  read  // 

dele  #W  /#  1702  £«///  a  place  ofwor* 

flip  in  Oxford  tcrwn/hip  59-     28 


p- 

1. 

6 

27 

6 

28 

SSctitk 

6 

29 

7 

3°' 

8 

6 

10 

3 

10 

4 

11 

14 

16 

3^ 

16 

33 

17 

26 

24 

2 

29 

•7 

4' 

5 

3i 

23 

42 

19 

42 

21 

45 

13 

46 

29 

46 

30 

43 

3 

51 

34 

54 

27 

54 

28 

63 

21 

69 

12 

70 

9 

(     134     ) 
dele  and  their  meeting  houfe  being  taken 

from  them  59     51 

for  they  built  read  they  and  others  while 

keithian  baptifts  built  fa        5 

for  Sarah  Branfon  read  William  and 

Sarah  Branfon  41      23 

for  three  hundred  read  three  hundred 

and  thirty  41      24 

after  John  Morgan  add  tke  following 
paragraphs 
(5)  Seventy  eight y pounds  fifteen  fnllings 
the  gift  of  Francis  and  Amy  Pullin  to~ 
wards  difcharging  the  debt  of  half  the 
lot,  on  which  the  meeting  houfe  Jlands- 
(6)  Thirty  pounds  the  gift  of  St  eph.  An- 
thony towards  difcharging  the  debt  cm* 
trailed  in  building  the  meeting  koufe  41.  2& 


The  end  of  the  firft  volume.  The 
fecond  volume  (containing  Materials 
towards  a  hiftory  of  the  Baptifts  in  New* 
jerfey)  will  be  published  with  all  con- 
venient fpcedt 


I 


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II 
1 1 


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